| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Select Committee on Environmental Health | |
HB 1810
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
Brief Description: Creating a project to monitor pesticide drift and its impact.
Sponsors: Representatives Hudgins, Hunt, Chase, Kenney, Santos, Campbell, Schual-Berke, Dickerson, B. Sullivan, McIntire, Roberts, Wood and Moeller.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/6/07
Staff: Brad Avy (786-7289).
Background:
Pesticide drift means off target migration of pesticides, during or after applications, including
migration that occurs through volatilization and through winds transporting dust contaminated
with pesticides.
When pesticide solutions are sprayed by ground spray equipment or aircraft, droplets are
produced by the nozzles of the equipment. Many of these droplets can be so small that they stay
suspended in air and are carried by air currents until they contact a surface or drop to the ground.
A number of factors influence drift, including weather conditions, topography, the crop or area
being sprayed, application equipment and methods, and decisions by the applicator.
The drift of spray from pesticide applications can expose people, wildlife, and the environment to
pesticide residues that can cause human health and environmental effects and property damage.
The Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for regulating the use of pesticides at the
national level. The Department of Agriculture, the Department of Labor and Industries, and the
Department of Ecology regulate pesticides in Washington state.
Summary of Bill:
The legislature finds that discussion of public policies, enforcement activities, and educational
programs related to pesticides should be based on sound science and must include data on the
types and concentrations of pesticides in the air. Workers, business owners, and other people
have the right to know about pesticides in the air with which they and their children may come in
contact.
The Department of Health is required to conduct a pilot monitoring project on pesticide drift. The
purpose of this project is to use the data in evaluating the human health implications to workers
and the public of airborne pesticides in agricultural areas.
Monitoring results will be made accessible to the public and reported to policy makers and the
public as part of the annual Pesticide Incident Reporting and Tracking (PIRT) report.
The department must submit a report to the legislature by April 1, 2009, pilot project findings
and recommendations for public policies and program activities to protect human health from
pesticide drift.
The department shall consult with and is authorized to negotiate interagency agreements as
appropriate with the Department of Ecology, the Department of Agriculture, the University of
Washington, and Washington State University to assist in carrying out the project.
The bill is null and void if funding is not provided by June 30, 2007.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 30, 2007.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.