Commissioner Jean-Pierre L. Oriol of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) reminds the community that Virgin Islands Pesticide Control Rules and Regulations (VIPCRR) were approved by Governor Albert Bryan Jr. on October 7, 2022. As per Section 803-38 of the VIPCRR, all pesticide agencies and commercial pesticide businesses must register with the DPNR Division of Environmental Protection. The original deadline was October 7, 2023, one year from the Governors approval; however, DPNR has granted an extension to January 2, 2024, to all affected businesses and agencies to meet the registration requirements.
The VIPCRR incorporates more than 30 new federal provisions required in all states and territories for regulating the use, sale, importation, and distribution of pesticides. Many of these changes pertain to the competency standards and training requirements for individuals who are seeking pesticide applicator licenses. Two new categories under which commercial and private pesticide applicators can become certified and licensed have also been added. In addition, the territory can now enter into reciprocity agreements with other states when it is necessary to bring in pesticide applicators who are already trained and licensed elsewhere on the mainland.
“With the promulgation of these rules, the territory has the ability to generate new revenue from pesticide product registration that are submitted by the manufacturers of the various brands and formulations imported into the Virgin Islands,” said Commissioner Oriol.
Registrations have been ongoing for many years at no cost to the manufacturers. “The VI now joins most states that already have fees in place for this process which will allow for improved and enhanced regulatory oversight of pesticide-related activities,” concluded Oriol.
The Virgin Islands Pesticide Control Rules and Regulations are available on the Department’s website at https://dpnr.vi.gov/environmental-protection/pesticides-control-program. For more information, contact Leslie Leonard, Environmental Program Manager at (340) 774-3320 Ext. 5152 or email leslie.leonard@dpnr.vi.gov.
