Prince Edward Island is becoming the first province in Canada to establish wind speed limits for agriculture producers using ground sprayers to apply pesticides. New regulations approved by the Cabinet last week restrict the application of pesticides when wind speeds are more than 25 kilometers per hour as a means of reducing the problem of spray drift.
The measure is one of a number of changes made under the Pesticides Control Act to strengthen its enforcement. They take effect on August 3.
"The objective of these changes are to provide greater protection for the public and the environment, and more effective enforcement of the Act," said Walter Bradley, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. "These changes are being made in response to requests from the Potato Producers Association, environmental groups and the Pesticides Advisory Committee."
Mr. Bradley also announced that inspectors have now been given the power to issue tickets for offenses under the Act. Up to now, charges had to be laid and taken to court.
The changes specify penalties for out of court settlement.
The department now has six inspectors to investigate pesticide handling and use and to work more intensively on enforcement and grower education.
Leith Thompson, Chair of the Pesticides Advisory Committee, expressed his pleasure with the changes.
"I am delighted that our recommendations on enforcing wind speed limits have been adopted because they are long overdue," said Mr. Thompson. "As well, the move to ticket offenders will improve enforcement of the Act and its regulations."
He also said further changes are needed to meet public concerns.