PMRA Guidance Document, Pesticides for Aquatic Applications

Disclaimer

This document does not constitute part of the Pest Control Products Act or its regulations and in the event of any inconsistency or conflict between the Act or regulations and this document, the Act or the regulations take precedence. This document is an administrative document that is intended to facilitate compliance by the regulated party with the Act, the regulations and the applicable administrative policies.

1.0 Introduction and background

The purpose of this guidance document is to advise registrants of the product class designation of pest control products (pesticides) to be used on aquatic sites and some of the labelling requirements for these pesticides.

This document replaces Regulatory Directive DIR93-12, Pesticides for Aquatic Applications dated 28 October 1993.

Pursuant to Section 26 (1) (d) of the Pest Control Products Regulations, all registered pesticides are required to show the class designation on the label.

Aquatic pesticides are those products which are used on aquatic sites to control aquatic pests including: unwanted or invasive species such as plants, fish and mollusks; certain aquatic insects such as mosquito larvae; and fish as part of fisheries management. Aquatic pesticides do not include those products used in swimming pools or industrial water. Aquatic pesticides are used to maintain and improve the usefulness and enjoyment of agricultural and recreational areas, to ensure the proper functioning of irrigation and drainage systems, and to help protect aquatic habitats for native species.

Directions for use of aquatic pesticides must be strictly followed. In addition, consideration must be given to regional conditions involving water courses, wildlife populations, human habitations and non-target organisms generally, in order to avoid adverse effects from poor operating practices.

2.0 Product class designation and labelling requirements

An aquatic pesticide use should be assigned to one of the following two class designations, based on the nature of the application site:

Commercial class

Aquatic pesticides used only in water bodies wholly confined to the property of the user where there is no outflow beyond the property limits will be assigned to the Commercial class. Examples include pesticides used in sites such as farm ponds, fish ponds, fire ponds and dugouts. The following limitations must appear on the label for these commercial pesticides:

"For use in water wholly confined to the property of the user and where there is no outflow beyond the property limits."

Restricted class

Products used to control aquatic pests, including aquatic invasive species, in water bodies that are not wholly confined to the property of the user or where there is outflow beyond the property limits, and in all other aquatic sites such as rivers, lakes and irrigation canals, will be assigned to the Restricted class. The product label bearing directions for use in these aquatic locations must be accompanied by the following statements under the Nature of Restriction section:

"This is a restricted product that must be used in the manner authorized.

This product is only to be used by individuals holding an appropriate pesticide applicator certificate or licence recognized by the provincial/territorial pesticide regulatory authority where the pesticide application is to occur or as authorized by the provincial/territorial regulatory authority.

This registration is granted under the Pest Control Products Act and does not exempt the user from any other legislative requirements. Use of this product in or immediately adjacent to water bodies must be appropriately authorized and used in accordance with the Fisheries Act and its regulations. Use of this product must also be in accordance with any other applicable federal, provincial and territorial laws and authorizations under those laws. Consult with federal, provincial and territorial regulatory authorities, where the pesticide application is to occur, on any authorizations required prior to use of this product."