This program provides environmental protection by administering and enforcing Alberta's pesticide legislation. Pesticides in Alberta must be safely distributed, stored, used and disposed of. Alberta Environment conducts routine operation inspections and responds to public and industry complaints about improper pesticide management. Environmental monitoring data collected by the Department is reviewed, to provide early warning of potential pesticide problems which can be addressed through changes in management practices.

*NEW

On May 12, 2010 Alberta Environment approved amendments to the Environmental Code of Practice for Pesticides (the Code).

The Code provides a standard set of baseline operating practices to ensure a consistent and fair playing field that minimizes risk and liability for the pesticide industry and the general public.

The Code is developed in collaboration with industry, municipalities and representatives from other government departments. The Code:

• provides policy clarification to ensure a common understanding of what is acceptable performance under the regulation,
• is a continuous improvement document developed with the pesticide use and distribution industry to accommodate updates as required, and
• provides a due diligence defense regarding compliance with the pesticide regulations.

Highlights of the Code amendments include:

• updates to procedural requirements for pesticide applicators and new provisions for pesticide dispenser assistants.
• the removal of a requirement for vendors to provide safety and product information for restricted pesticides.
• clarification and updates to pesticide service insurance requirements.
• clarification, updates and changes to emergency response provisions.
• clarification to forest management provisions developed with Alberta Sustainable Resource Development.
• enhanced fumigation provisions to replace provisions from a procedural document.
• clarification of provisions for pesticide use near water.
• the addition of new products for pesticide use near water and other uses.

The official version of the Environmental Code of Practice for Pesticides will soon be available through the Alberta Queen’s Printer. If you have any questions regarding the updated Code, please contact: