compliance with federal and state regulations when applying chemicals to public lands . There have been no changes to the program during this reporting period .
The City of Arlington continues to follow a “ least toxic alternative ” approach to pesticide management using Integrated Pest Management ( IPM ) practices . The IPM philosophy uses a coordinated strategy to identify when and where pest suppression treatment is needed , and what strategy and mix of measures should be used that are effective , but also low in cost and environmentally sound . IPM measures include structural , cultural , biological and chemical control in combinations which offer efficient and safe means of keeping pests at tolerable levels .
The following departments have limited uses of pesticides , herbicides and fertilizers for targeted needs such as controlling vegetation growing in pavement joints at the airport and treating for mosquitoes : Public Works and Transportation , Code Compliance Services , Environmental Health , Fire , Water Utilities , and Facility Services . Applications by these departments are accomplished through a combination of their own staff , Parks and Recreation Department ’ s staff , and contractors . All Federal and State regulations are followed , and licensed applicators are used as required .
Pesticide Applicators Program
There are four state agencies which issue certificates and licenses for pest control applicators as mandated by the Texas Pesticide Law . Applicators for restricted-use and state-limited-use pesticides for agricultural related categories are licensed by the Texas Department of Agriculture ( TDA ). Under Authority of article 135b-6 V . T . C . S ., the Structural Pest Control Board ( SPCB ) tests and licenses businesses , commercial and noncommercial applicators including most municipal applicators . All applicators are required to be licensed by the SPCB under its jurisdiction regardless of the pesticides classification . The Texas Department of Health ( TDH ) certifies municipal applicators for health-related vector control . Certification and re-certification are provided by the Texas Agricultural Extension Service ( TAEX ) by means of continuing education for the TDA and SPCB , which are the primary state agencies responsible for pesticide regulation in Texas . Current U . S . Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA ) regulations include provisions for the control of the use of pesticides through the Federal , Insecticide , Fungicide and Rodenticide Act ( FIFRA ). This program outlines the minimum requirements regarding the registration , labeling , and uses of pesticides . Restricted-use pesticides warrant special labeling because they present a potential of harm to human health and the environment .
Categories in which examinations are to be given for licenses are listed as follows : Termite Control , Pest Control , Lawn and Ornamental , Commodity Fumigation , Weed Control , Wood Preservation .
The Parks and Recreation Department has several applicators that are licensed under the SPCB under the Lawn , Ornamental , and Weed Control categories . The department also has applicators licensed under TDA for Ornamental and Turf control , Plant Pest Control , Greenhouse Pest Control , Weed Control , Right-of-Way Pest Control , Aquatic Plant Pest Control and Aquatic Animal Pest Control . The City of Arlington also operates four municipal golf courses under the Programs division of the Parks and Recreation Department . The application of pesticides and herbicides on the golf courses are conducted by licensed applicators . One of the golf courses , Tierra Verde , only utilizes organic fertilizers and herbicides as part of its ongoing commitment to sustainable environmental practices . The City financially supports the re-certification requirements of its licensed applicators .
There are currently :
40 TDA applicators – plant , pest , and weed category 2 SPCB applicators – lawn , ornamental , and weed category
CITY OF ARLINGTON TPDES STORMWATER ANNUAL REPORT – FY 2018
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