Tribal Pesticide Regulation Adopted
Jan 10, 2020
AKWESASNE — The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council announced they have adopted a Tribal Pesticide Regulation through the signing of Tribal Council Resolution 2020-01 on Tsiothorhkó:wa/January 8, 2020. Led by the Tribe’s Environment Division, the tribal regulation’s development and adoption helps ensure the protection of tribal member’s health by reducing unnecessary exposure to harmful pesticides.
“With concern across the country associated with the usage of a popular herbicide, local measures are needed to help govern pesticide usage under the jurisdiction of the Tribe,” stated Les Benedict, SRMT Environment Division Assistant Director, as he explained the regulation’s development. For those intending in using certain pesticides, Benedict noted, “The Tribal Pesticide Regulation provides a plan for certifying and regulating usage of pesticides that are restricted and those for general use.”
The Tribal Pesticide Regulation was adopted following a 30-day comment period and three (3) public meetings held earlier this year on Enniskó:wa/March 23rd, 25th and 26th. The meetings provided an opportunity for tribal members to review and contribute towards the regulation’s development.
Benedict stated that there are many varieties of pesticides used to control insects or other organisms, with approximately 80% of those being herbicides for controlling unwanted plants. Some pesticides are Restricted Use Pesticides and only available from certified applicators, while General Use Pesticides can be purchased in any hardware store or supermarket.
The Tribal Pesticides Regulation will only regulate the commercial use of General Use Pesticides, while both the private and commercial application of Restricted Use Pesticides is governed by the new regulation. Only certified applicators or those under the supervision of a certified applicator may use Restricted Use Pesticides.
Businesses or individuals that intend to use either type of pesticide within the jurisdiction of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe are required to register through the Tribe’s Compliance Department for a one (1) year permit at a cost of $120 (U.S.). Restricted Use Pesticide Applicators are also required to possess a federal certificate from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
To download and view the Tribal Pesticides Regulation, please visit the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s website at www.srmt-nsn.gov. Copies are also available from the Tribal Clerk’s Office located at the Ionkwakiohkwaróron Tribal Administration Building at 71 Margaret Terrance Memorial Way in Akwesasne, NY.
For information on the Tribal Applicator Permit Application, please contact the Tribe’s Compliance Department by calling (518) 358-2273 or stop by their office during normal business hours at 28 Okwarine Road in Akwesasne, NY.
TCR 2020-01 Adopt the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Pesticide Regulation
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The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council is the duly elected and federally recognized government of the Saint Regis Mohawk People.