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Virginia Pesticide Law, enacted in 1948. Even with additions and revisions over the past 30 years, the law remains minimal; it has not kept pace with changing conditions.
Some Virginians have expressed concerns about the length of time taken to investigate complaints and the relatively minor punishment for violations of the state Pesticide Law and its pursuant regulations. Public confidence in the pest control industry eroded with the discovery of fraud and swindle scams in southwest Virginia in recent years.
Responding to the growing concern of many citizens that they may not be adequately protected from exposure and unnecessary risks, the Council on the Environment began a comprehensive review of pesticide management last July. In September, Gov. Gerald L. Baliles asked the council to accelerate its study and report its findings and recommendations prior to the 1989 session of the General Assembly.
The council’s pesticide subcommittee examined Virginia’s current law and regulations, as well as federal laws and programs in other states..Its review pointed out major weaknesses and gaps in Virginia’s management and suggested improvement in almost every area.
A management program that seeks to manage or control the risks associated with pesticides must concentrate in two areas. First, it must ensure that the pesticides are not toxic to non-target organisms, and do not persist in the environment to cause further harm. Second, the program must concentrate on the proper use of pesticides, including development of less-toxic alternatives.
Virginia’s pesticide management program, above all, needs a clear policy statement specifying these goals. The lack of policy leaves current efforts operating with no clear direction or overall mission. Additionally, a sound and environmentally safe program must include the following:
• Basic information concerning the amounts, types and location of
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