Statements of Basis, Specific Statutory Authority and Purpose for rulemaking activity from 1968 through 1992 are no longer in the Departments files and are presumably in the state archives.
20.1Adopted July 28, 1994 - Effective September 30, 1994These rules are adopted by the Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture pursuant to his authority under § 35-9-118, C.R.S. (1993 Suppl.)
The purpose of these rules is to implement the provisions of the Pesticide Act, Title 35, Article 9, C.R.S. (1993 Suppl.).
These rules: establish procedures for registration of pesticides including experimental use products; establish requirements for pesticide labels; establish standards for coloration and discoloration of pesticides; establish what constitutes false and misleading statements; establish the reasons for refusal or cancellation of pesticide registration; establish the procedures for pesticide dealer licensing and record keeping requirements; establish the conditions for use of a Section 18 pesticide; and establish a list of pesticides whose use is restricted in the state.
Because of the revision of Article 9 of Title 35, and Article 10 of Title 35 (the Pesticide Applicators' Act) the language of the rules associated with the Pesticide Act needed to be changed to conform with the statutes. The language in Parts 1 to 13 now reflects the terminology in the current statutes. The language was also changed to conform with current terminology in the code of federal regulations where necessary. Other than Part 3 the requirements set out in Parts 1 to 13 remain basically unchanged from the rules in place.
The format and organization of the rules was also simplified.
Factual issues encountered when developing these rules include:
1. How to describe the administrative procedures for registering a pesticide product system so an applicant can understand and comply with them.2. An application for registration, including a label, is received in the office. The pesticide product to be registered is then identified using the language on the label which accompanies the application. Often this label is not identical to, and sometimes does not even resemble, the label which appears on the product found in the marketplace. Inspections for compliance with the statute occur in the marketplace using data generated from the applications received in the office. Differences between the labels submitted for registration and the labels as they appear in the marketplace have caused numerous problems in enforcement complaints from registrants who believed their product to be registered.3. It is not unusual for a registrant to submit several applications for product registration together with one check for payment of all applications.4. It is not unusual to receive an application for registration of a pesticide product which is under Cease and Desist Order along with other applications for registration.5. The state restricted use pesticide list has been in place since 1989. At that point in time the Cooperative Extension and/or the Department were receiving several complaints or reports each year concerning damage related to the use of the listed materials in landscape areas. Only one such case was reported last year.6. Pesticides are regulated at the federal level under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Some rules pertaining to pesticides at the state level must be identical to those associated with FIFRA. Policy issues encountered when developing these rules include:
1. To help resolve the dilemma addressed in factual issues concerning labels submitted with the application and those found on the container in the field. The rules now state the label to be submitted with the application for registration is to be the final printed label as it appears on the pesticide product in the field.2. To resolve the dilemma of which application to process first when multiple applications for the same registrant are received at the same time it was determined the applications would be processed in the order in which the registrant submitted them, except as noted.3. To be responsive to the needs of Colorado businessmen it was decided if multiple applications from the same registrant were received at the same time and any of those applications were for products which were under Cease and Desist Order, the applications for the products under Cease and Desist Order would be processed first, even if that was not the order in which they were submitted.4. It appears the state restricted use list had the desired result. Consequently, the list will continue with a minor modification which removes a trade name of a product.5. It was decided to incorporated by reference those regulations which are identical to the code of federal regulations instead of duplicating all of the language in these rules.20.2Adopted January 19, 1995 - Effective March 2, 1995Statement of Basis and Purpose
These rules are adopted by the Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture pursuant to his authority under § 35-9-118, C.R.S. (1993 Suppl.)
The purpose of these rules is to implement the provisions of the Pesticide Act, Title 35, Article 9, C.R.S. (1993 Suppl.).
These rules: establish procedures for registration of pest control devices; and comply with the recommendations of Legal Services concerning consistency in wording with the statute.
Factual issues encountered when developing these rules include:
1. How to describe the administrative procedures for registering a pest control device so an applicant can understand and comply with them.2. Pest control devices are regulated under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).3. Rule 8.2 relating to the examination of pesticides samples failed to meet the incorporation by reference standards of § 24-4-103 (12.5) of the Administrative Procedure Act C.R.S.4. The date in Rule 11.1 does not coincide with the date of the statute. Policy issues encountered when developing these rules include:
1. The Department needed to determine which pest control devices would require registration in order to apply and enforce the provisions in an equitable and consistent manner. After discussions concerning the numerous types of devices and device technologies, it was decided the manner which best achieved this was to use requirements already set forth in 40 CFR 150-189 and its associated interpretations and policies. Under these requirements producers of devices which work through the efforts of an individual, such as fly swatters or mouse traps, are exempted from registering their producing establishments; while producers of other devices must register their producing establishments. This requirement was used as the criteria for requiring registration with the Commissioner.2. It was decided to use the same registration process already in place for pesticide products to administer the registration of devices with a few exceptions.3. Methods used to analyze pesticides change constantly as new analytical instruments enter the marketplace, as new pesticides enter the marketplace, and as our own chemists modify methods to fit the instrumentation available to them. The statute does not require that the Department establish by rule the methods it will use to analyze pesticides. Consequently, it was decided to repeal the clause.20.3Adopted April 17, 1995 - Effective May 30, 1995STATEMENT OF REASONS FOR ADOPTION OF EMERGENCY RULE
This rule is adopted under the Pesticide Act pursuant to § 35-9-118(2), C.R.S. (1994 Supp.) and pertains to the administration and enforcement of the registration of pesticides under the Pesticide Act.
Parts 4.1 and 4.2 of the Rules and Regulations Associated with the Pesticide Act state:
"All pesticides sold or registered in Colorado must have a label which conforms to this Part 4."
"These rules incorporate rules of the Environmental Protection Agency, United States of America 40 C.F.R. § 156.10."
The rules in 40 C.F.R. § 156.10 require such things as net contents, warning or precautionary statements, physical or chemical hazards, storage and disposal directions, etc.
The Commissioner has received application for registration of a "plant-pesticide". This plant-pesticide has been registered by EPA. In so doing EPA is not requiring the label contain many of the elements set forth in 40 C.F.R. § 156.10.
In order to register the plant-pesticide for distribution and use in Colorado the requirements set forth in part 4.2 must be modified to conform with current policy of EPA.
The immediate adoption of Parts 1.2 (j.5) and 4.5 is imperatively necessary and compliance with notice and hearing requirements of § 24-4-103 of the Colorado Administrative Procedure Act would be contrary to the public interest.
20.4Adopted December 6, 1999 - Effective January 30, 2000STATUTORY AUTHORITY: C.R.S. 35-9-118(2) and (3)
GENERAL DISCUSSION: To establish requirements for registration of pesticide products to reflect changes made in the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA); to codify existing policy for registration of discontinued products; and to make miscellaneous technical amendments.
20.5Adopted November 9, 2000 - Effective December 30, 2000Statutory Authority:
These permanent rules are adopted by the Commissioner of the Colorado Department of Agriculture (Commissioner) pursuant to his authority under the Pesticide Act (the "Act") at § 35-9-118(2) and (3) C.R.S. (2000).
Purpose:
The purpose of this amendment is to: increase the amount of the annual application fee for the registration or renewal of a pesticide product registration from $70.00 to $80.00.
Factual and Policy Issues:
The factual and policy issues encountered in the proposal of this amendment are as follows:
(1.) The Commissioner adopted a rule change effective January 1, 2000 that established the registration renewal fee for pesticide products designated as discontinued. This rule reduced the registration renewal fee for the pesticide products designated as discontinued from $70.00 to $21.00.(2.) In Fiscal Year 2000, this fee reduction decreased the pesticide product registration program's revenue by approximately $185,000.00.(3.) Because of this loss of revenue, the pesticide product registration program expects that it will have personal services and operating expense deficits for Fiscal Year 2001.(4.) The average pesticide product registration fee among the 50 states for calendar year 2000 is approximately $120.00.(5.) The last pesticide product registration fee increase occurred in 1994 for the purpose of implementing the Agricultural Chemical Groundwater Protection Act. This fee change did not impact or produce any additional revenue for the pesticide product registration program.(6.) The Department estimates that this proposed fee increase will be sufficient to meet the personal service and operating cost expenses of the pesticide product registration program for at least three years without additional fee increases.20.6Adopted August 29, 2002 - Effective October 30, 2002Statutory Authority:
These amendments to the permanent rules are adopted by the Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture (Commissioner) pursuant to his authority under the Pesticide Act (the "Act") at section 35-9-118(2) and (3) C.R.S.
Purpose:
The purpose of these amendments is to:
1. Increase the amount of the annual pesticide fee for registration or renewal of a pesticide product registration from $80.00 to $95.00.2. Eliminate "Discontinued" product registration. With this type of registration, the registrant affirms that they are no longer producing the particular pesticide product, and then pays a reduced fee of $21 for up to four years. After four years, the product registration is automatically cancelled.3. Revise the rules to conform with the decision of Judge Babcock of The United States District Court for the District of Colorado in Bioganic Safety Brands, Inc., v. Don Ament, Colorado Commissioner of Colorado, Civil Action No. 01-B-1808.Factual and Policy Issues:
The factual and policy issues encountered in proposing these amendments are as follows:
1. Rule changes affecting registration fees:a) The pesticide registration and dealer licensing activities of the Colorado Department of Agriculture are funded solely by the fees collected for pesticide registrations and dealer licenses. These funds are credited to the pesticide fund. Annual appropriations are made from this fund to carry out the purposes of the Act. Of the funds collected, 97% are from pesticide registration fees, and 3% from dealer license fees.b) The current pesticide or pesticide device registration fee is $80. Of this $80, $20 goes to the groundwater fund, and $60 goes to the pesticide fund.2. Rule changes affecting "discontinued" pesticide registrations.a) About 30% of registered products are in "discontinued" registration. These products pay a registration fee of $21. Of this $21, $20 goes to the groundwater fund, and only $1 goes to the pesticide fund.b) Maintaining and processing discontinued product registrations increases administrative efforts and costs. The $1 fee for these products does not support the administrative costs involved.c) There have been numerous cases of registrants requesting to change products back from "discontinued" to a normal active registration status. This was not anticipated to be a reversible process.d) There are some cases of products with cancelled federal registrations being renewed as "discontinued" in Colorado, even though sales are now illegal under federal law.e) The large number of registered products that are in "discontinued" status has contributed to the current financial shortfall in the pesticide registration program.f) Pesticides are registered on a calendar year basis, with most revenue received during the December-January registration renewal period. The Colorado fiscal year is on a July-June period. At the beginning of the 2003 fiscal year (July, 2002) the fund balance (including reserve fund balance) will be insufficient to pay expenses for the following months. By October of 2002, the projected fund deficit is about $150,000.g) With the proposed changes to the fee structure, the pesticide fund should be returned to a sound financial footing by the end of FY04, with funds sufficient to operate the program until the renewal period and a reserve reestablished for future emergencies or economic changes.h) Further registration fee increases for the portion allocated to the pesticide fund are not anticipated for the next five years.3. Rule changes to conform with the decision of Judge Babcock of United States District Court for the District of Colorado in Bioganic Safety Brands, Inc., v. Don Ament, Colorado Commissioner of Colorado, Civil Action No. 01-B-1808.a) Section 35-9-120(1)(g)(II), C.R.S. states: "It is a false representation to make claims as to the safety of any pesticide or device or their components or ingredients, including, but not limited to, such claims as "safe", "noninjurious", "harmless", or "nontoxic to humans and pets", with or without such qualifying phrases as "when used as directed" and "when properly applied".b) The Pesticide Act Rules include the following as prohibited false and misleading statements on pesticide labels: (i) Claims as to the safety of the pesticide or pesticide product or its ingredients, including statements such as "safe:, "nonpoisonous", "noninjurious", "harmless", or "nontoxic to humans and pets" with or without such a qualifying phrase as "when used as directed"; or(ii) Non-numerical and/or comparative statements on the safety of the product, including but not limited to: i) "Contains all natural ingredients"ii) "Among the least toxic chemicals known"iii) "Pollution approved";"c) In the court decision referenced above, Judge Babcock ruled that the sections of the Act and Rules prohibiting safety claims on labeling of pesticides exempted from federal regulation as minimum risk pesticides (section 25(b) of FIFRA) are preempted by FIFRA. This Pesticide Act prohibition with regards to Bioganic Shoobug insect repellant was declared a violation of both the First Amendment (free speech) and the Commerce clause of the U.S. Constitution.d) The Commissioner did not appeal this ruling.e) The proposed amendments conform to the order issued in this case.20.7Adopted October 19, 2006 - Effective January 1, 2007.Statutory Authority:
These amendments to the permanent rules are adopted by the Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture (Commissioner) pursuant to his authority under the Pesticide Act (the "Act") at §§ 35-9-118(2) and (3), C.R.S.
Purpose:
The purpose of these amendments is to:
1. Change references to licensed applicators to recognize that CDA will be licensing private pesticide applicators as of January 1, 2007.2. Modify pesticide dealer licensing requirements to include record-keeping requirements for federal restricted use pesticides. Factual and Policy Issues:
The factual and policy issues encountered in proposing these amendments are as follows:
1. House Bill 1274 amended the Pesticide Applicator Act (Title 25, Article 10) to authorize the CDA to begin issuing licenses to private pesticide applicators on and after January 1, 2007 and to require that any person acting as a private applicator using or supervising the use of restricted use pesticides be licensed as a private applicator by the Commissioner.2. Historically private pesticide applicators making pesticide applications in Colorado have been licensed by the Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA"), specifically EPA region 8, Denver, Colorado. Once CDA assumes responsibility for licensing private applicators, EPA will cease issuing such licenses. We anticipate that this transfer of authority will take place on January 1, 2007.3. Part 13 of the current rules for the Pesticide Act allows for the permitting of each user of a section 18 pesticide, and requires that each permittee be either licensed by the Commissioner or licensed with EPA region 8, Denver, Colorado as a private applicator.4. The current rules of the Pesticide Act only require recordkeeping on the part of licensed dealers for state restricted use pesticides, not federal restricted use pesticides.5. EPA currently imposes record-keeping requirements on Colorado pesticide dealers of federal restricted use pesticides, under the authority of FIFRA §11(a)(1) and CFR 171.11(g). However, this federal authority only exists in any state in which the EPA conducts a certification program. Once CDA takes over the private applicator certification program from EPA region 8, federal authority to require Colorado pesticide dealers to keep records concerning federal restricted use pesticides will cease.20.9Adopted January 4, 2007 - Effective March 4, 2007.Statutory Authority:
These amendments to the Rules are adopted by the Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture (Commissioner) pursuant to his authority under the Pesticide Act ("Act"), § 35-9-110(2), C.R.S.
Purpose:
The purpose of these amendments is to exempt a certain class of devices from the registration requirements of the Act.
FACTUAL AND POLICY ISSUES:
The factual and policy issues encountered in proposing these amendments are as follows:
1. The Act requires certain devices to be registered, and authorizes the Commissioner to designate which classes of devices are subject to this requirement.2. Colorado producers are suffering an economic loss due to an increase in burrowing animals in and around agronomic fields and in rangeland areas. Black-tailed prairie dogs have been increasing in recent years across eastern Colorado. Although exact figures are not available from most agronomic production areas, the Comanche and Pawnee National Grasslands have documented increasing number of prairie dog colonies, with a 79% increase in active colonies in 2004 and a 30% increase in 2005. The overall hectares affected has more than doubled between 2003 and 2005 (from 2680 ha to 6323 ha).3. The Commissioner has determined that destructive rodents pests, particularly prairie dogs, pose a significant threat to agricultural production in this State, and that additional control methods, including the devices that are the subject of this rulemaking, are needed to protect the public welfare.4. The devices proposed for exemption from registration, which inject a mixture of propane and oxygen into the burrow and then ignite it, are currently available and widely used in adjacent states. Until recently, however, the use of these devices in Colorado was considered a prohibited method of take by the Colorado Division of Wildlife ("DOW"). On November 1, 2006, a new DOW regulation took effect allowing the use of such devices. DOW decided to allow the use of these devices in response to the urgent need of agricultural producers to have better control methods for burrowing animals.5. Because DOW has regulatory authority over use of such devices, the regulation of the distribution of these particular devices under the Act is duplicative and unnecessary. Due to the length of time that registration of a new device under the Act typically requires, the Commissioner adopted emergency amendments to the Rules, effective November 13, 2006, exempting this class of devices from registration to permit the timely use of these devices to control prairie dogs. These permanent amendments to the rules continue this exemption.20.10Adopted August 12, 2008 - Effective September 30, 2008.STATUTORY AUTHORITY
These amendments to these rules are proposed for adoption by the Commissioner of the Colorado Department of Agriculture ("CDA") pursuant to his authority under the Pesticide Act (the "Act"), §§ 35-9-118(2)(c),(f), and (h), C.R.S.
PURPOSE
The purpose of these proposed rules is to:
1. Amend Rule 10.1 to specify conditions to allow distribution of repaired bags containing certain pesticides.2. Create a new Rule 10.3 to require distributors to properly clean up and dispose of pesticides when pesticide spills occurred.3. Amend Rule 13.1 and create a new Rule 13.2 to restrict distribution of State and Federal Restricted Use Pesticides to licensed dealers, licensed applicators, and their authorized agents and only for uses allowed by the applicator's license category.4. Amend current Rule 13.3 to require pesticide dealers to maintain records of any distribution of a State or Federal Restricted Use Pesticide to an authorized agent of a licensed applicator. FACTUAL AND POLICY ISSUES
The factual and policy issues encountered when developing these rules include:
1) Rules 10.1 currently do not allow any distribution of a pesticide except in its original unbroken container. The CDA believes that if bags containing granular ready to use pesticides or ready-to-use combinations of pesticide and fertilizer ingredients can be repaired to their original condition and the product's label does not become misbranded in the process, sale of such products should be allowed to facilitate application to a labeled site and minimize disposal of these pesticides in Colorado landfills. CDA proposes to amend Rule 10.1 to create guidelines to allow this practice.2) CDA is proposing to create a new Rule Part 10.3 to require distributors to clean up and dispose of any pesticide product that spills from a broken container to prevent any pesticide exposure to customers or employees.3) Currently, Rule 13.1 requires that State Restricted Use Pesticides only be distributed and used by licensed applicators or persons under their direct supervision and only for uses covered by the applicator's licensure category(s). Part 13 of the Rules only addresses distribution and use of State Restricted Use Pesticides, but it does not currently address distribution and use of federal restricted use pesticides. The CDA is proposing to amend Rule 13.1 and create a new Rule 13.2 to clarify that both state and federal restricted use pesticides may only be distributed to licensed dealers, licensed applicators or their authorized agents who are licensed in the appropriate category to use that product.
4) Prior to January 1, 2007, EPA was performing restricted use pesticide dealer record inspections and, under 40 C.F.R. § 171.11(g)(2)(ii), required dealers to maintain a record of any distribution of an RUP to an uncertified agent of a certified applicator documenting that the RUP would be used by a certified applicator or persons under their supervision. CDA is proposing to amend current Rule 13.3 to require pesticide dealers to maintain records of any distribution of an RUP to a licensed applicator through an authorized agent.
20.11Adopted July 16, 2009 - Effective August 30, 2009.STATUTORY AUTHORITY
These amendments to these rules are proposed for adoption by the Commissioner of the Colorado Department of Agriculture ("CDA") pursuant to his authority under the Pesticide Act (the "Act"), §§ 35-9-107(2), and 35-9-118(3)(a) and (b) C.R.S.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this proposed rule amendment is to amend Rule 3.4 to increase the annual pesticide registration fee from $95 to $165.
FACTUAL AND POLICY ISSUES
The factual and policy issues encountered when developing these rules include:
1. Under 35-9-118(3)(a) the Commissioner has the authority to promulgate Rules to determine the annual registration fee for each pesticide registered in the state of Colorado.2. On January 1, 2007, the CDA obtained primacy over all private applicators.3. CDA's budget projections for the private applicator program took into account the initiation of the program prior to any revenue generation, projected expenses to administer the program and projected revenue from private applicator licensing over a 4 year period. Budget projections showed an annual revenue shortfall of $250,000. To account for this shortfall CDA combined all pesticide cash funds and subsidized the private applicator expenses through a surplus in the pesticide registration fund. This was done to maintain private applicator examination and licensure fees at less than $100.4. The pesticide applicator program, which licenses commercial applicators, has not raised its fees to cover rising costs since 1994, when business licensure fees were increased to $350, and 2003, when examination licensure fees were increased to $100. Expenses in the pesticide applicator program have outpaced revenues in 2007 and 2008 by an average of $80,000. These shortfalls have been covered by the pesticide registration fund and EPA grant funds.5. In 2007 the pesticide registration fund balance was $670,517. In FY 07 and FY 08 the private applicator program and the commercial pesticide applicator program operated at an average loss of $251,000. In FY 2009 the pesticide program is projected to be at a $250,000+ loss, depleting the remaining pesticide registration funds at the end of FY 2009.6. In 2009 and 2010 the administration of the private applicator exam and the commercial applicator exam will be shared between a private company, Metro Institute, Colorado State University and CDA. This is being done to allow private applicators to take their examination on-line and allow proctored computer based examinations with CSU and CDA. This will provide an easier, more accessible and improved testing environment for the applicator community; however, it will increase CDA's program expenses to maintain the examination software and hardware and result in a loss in revenue with each examination administered by Metro Institutes or CSU.7. The current registration fee is set in the Pesticide Act Rules, Part 3.4, which is currently $95. The CDA registers an average of 11,000 pesticide products per year.8. The CDA is proposing a fee increase of $70, making the new registration fee $165. The fee increase will generate, based on average registration renewals, an additional $770,000 in revenue. This will cover all projected expenses, allow the CDA to resolve the deficit created in FY 2010, rebuild its fund balance, cover increases in expenditures and allow program growth in future years without having to increase pesticide applicator licensure fees.9. Under 35-10-118(3)(a) any fee collected under the pesticide registration program shall have an increment approved by the Agricultural Commission to fund the Groundwater Protection Program. Currently the Groundwater increment is set at $30. In conjunction with this rulemaking, CDA plans to ask the Agricultural Commission to approve an increase in the increment from $30 to $40 dollars. This will bring an additional $110,000 to the Groundwater Program to cover increased program expenses and allow for growth in future years.10. Twenty-one states have pesticide registration fees that exceed $165 per product, the highest being $750 per product; ranking Colorado twenty-second in comparison to the nation.20.12Adopted October 21, 2010 - Effective November 30, 2010.STATUTORY AUTHORITY
These amendments to these rules are proposed for adoption by the Commissioner of the Colorado Department of Agriculture ("CDA") pursuant to his authority under the Pesticide Act ("Act"), specifically §§ 35-9-118(2)(f), (g), (h) and (i), C.R.S.; § 35-9-117, C. R.S.; and § 35-9-117.5, C.R.S.
PURPOSE
The purpose of these proposed rules is to:
1) Create new Parts 3.1(a) & (b), The Registration System, to conform with new statutory provisions in regards to exempting pesticides consistent with the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act ("FIFRA").2) Repeal duplicative provision in Part 3.5.3) Parts 3.10, 3.11, 3.12, 3.15, 3.18 and 3.19 are amended to update registration requirements, clearly reflect current business procedures and set registration expiration and renewal dates in Rule.4) Repeal outdated business procedures, Parts 3.20 through 3.24.5) Amend Parts 4.1 and 4.2 to reflect new statutory provision that allows CDA to exempt certain pesticides and update references to 40 C.F.R.6) Create a new Part 11.1(i) to clearly state it is a violation for a dealer to sell an RUP after the expiration date and prior to the renewal of its dealer license.7) Create a new Part 15. Part 15.1 creates recordkeeping requirements for pesticide refillers. Part 15.2 creates cleaning guidelines for refillable containers. Part 15.3 creates cleaning requirements when tamper-evident devices or one-way valves are not intact. Create a new Part 10.1(h) to prohibit distribution of a pesticide product in a container that has not had the residue removal procedure performed.8) Update application submission language, address information, references to 40 C.F.R. and references to pesticide products through the rules. FACTUAL AND POLICY ISSUES
The factual and policy issues encountered when developing these rules include:
1. S.B. 10-034 changed the Act to permit the Commissioner to exempt certain pesticides from registration consistent with FIFRA. Part 3.1(a) reiterates the statutory provision that CDA may exempt products in accordance with FIFRA. Part 3.1(b) specifies certain products that are not exempt from registration in Colorado. CDA will exempt certain pesticides from registration through policy.2. Part 3.5 is being repealed consistent with the recent repeal of the provisions in the pesticide act that specified collection of a penalty fee from registrants upon registration of a product that had previously been found unregistered in the marketplace.3. Parts 3.10, 3.11, 3.12, 3.15, 3.18 and 3.19 are amended to update outdated language in the registration requirements, to clearly reflect current business procedures and set registration expiration and renewal dates in Rule as allowed now by S.B. 10-034. The ability to change renewal dates in Rule will allow CDA to stagger registration renewal dates and spread the work load of processing 11,000+ registration renewals if CDA chooses to in the future.4. Parts 3.20 through 3.24 are business procedures that were placed in Rule in 1996 due to a back log of registration requests and complaints from industry. CDA has since modified procedures and registration processes to avoid backlogs. Repeal of these provisions will allow these processes to be more efficiently addressed through CDA's business procedures and policies.5. All pesticides registered in Colorado must have labeling that conforms to provisions outlined under 40 C.F.R. § Part 156, which describes what elements must be on a pesticide label such as ingredient statements, net weight, EPA registration number, etc. The existing language in Part 4.1 requires all pesticides to meet these labeling requirements except liquid chemical sterilants. The amendment to Part 4.1 now addresses the additional authority provided as a result of S.B. 10-034 to exempt certain pesticides from registration by clarifying that those pesticides are exempt from the labeling requirements in Part 4.2. Part 4.2 was amended to update references to 40 C.F.R. that detail labeling requirements for pesticides required to registered in Colorado pursuant to Part 3.1 or the Pesticide Act.6. Pesticide dealer licenses expire on December 31 of each year. CDA has found during records inspections that the some dealers continue to sell RUPs during the time period that their license was expired and prior to their renewal or a new application being submitted. The creation of a new Part 11.1(i) will clearly state that it is a violation, subject to civil penalties, for a dealer to sell an RUP after the expiration date and prior to the renewal or new application for a dealer license.7. Section 19(f), Residue Removal Requirements, of FIFRA requires that states must have the authority to ensure pesticide refillers comply with the residue removal requirements. CDA historically has only had the authority to regulate registered pesticides from the distribution point forward and had no authority to regulate producer establishment or refiller establishment activities. S.B. 10-034 amended the Pesticide Act to provide CDA the authority to regulate producer establishments for the purpose of enforcing and ensuring compliance with the federal pesticide residue removal requirements. A new Part 15 was created to conform to the statutory provisions that require pesticide refillers to maintain records and clean refillable containers prior to distribution. A new Part 10.1(h) was created to prohibit distribution of a pesticide product in a container that has not had the residue removal procedure performed. Part 10.1(h) will make it a violation to distribute a product if the pesticide residue removal procedures have not been conducted in accordance with Part 15 of the Rule.
8. Throughout the Pesticide Act CDA is updating application submission language, such as applications must be "postmarked", to remove impediments for future electronic submissions; updates to CDA's address, references to 40 C.F.R. and references to pesticide products to ensure the Pesticide Act clearly reflects CDA's current business practices and maintains consistent language throughout the Act.20.13Adopted November 10, 2015 - Effective December 30, 2015.STATUTORY AUTHORITY
These amendments to these Rules are proposed for adoption by the Commissioner of the Colorado Department of Agriculture ("CDA") pursuant to his authority under the Pesticide Act ("Act"), specifically § 35-9-118(2), C.R.S
PURPOSE
The purpose of these proposed Rules is to update language to reflect the Department's current physical address and websites for materials incorporated by reference. Specifically:
1. Update Part 3 and Part 19 with the Department's current address.2. Update Part 19 with current website links.3. Correct formatting and grammatical errors.4. These amendments incorporate changes as a result of the Department's Regulatory Efficiency Review Process.5. Rule 12.4 is being updated to reflect the changes that resulted in the Department taking over the certification and regulation of Private Pesticide applicators in 2007 and who are no longer certified through the EPA.FACTUAL AND POLICY ISSUES
The factual and policy issues encountered when developing these rules include:
1. In May of 2014 the Colorado Department of Agriculture moved from 700 Kipling St, Denver, CO to 305 Interlocken Parkway, Broomfield, CO. Part 3 of the Rule outlines registration requirements and references the Department's address for submission. Part 19 outlines where certified copies of materials incorporated by reference may be obtained, which references the Department's address as well. The proposed amendments update the Department's address in each of these Parts.2. Part 19 provides website address where materials incorporated by reference may be obtained at no cost. The proposed amendments update these web addresses.20.14Adopted November 9. 2016 - Effective December 30, 2016STATUTORY AUTHORITY
These amendments to these rules are proposed for adoption by the Commissioner of the Colorado Department of Agriculture ("CDA") pursuant to his authority under the Pesticide Act ("Act"), specifically § 35-9-118(2)(f), C.R.S
PURPOSE
The purpose of these proposed rules is to:
1. Amend Part 2 of the Rule to further clarify when substances or mixture of substances will be considered to be a pesticide subject to regulation under the Act.FACTUAL AND POLICY ISSUES
The factual and policy issues encountered when developing these rules include:
1. Part 2 of the current Rule lists several factors the Department considers in determining if a substance or mixture of substances is a pesticide that is subject to regulation under the Act, including: (1) if a product bears pesticidal claims;(2) if collateral advertising makes pesticidal claims or recommendations;(3) if pesticidal claims are made verbally or in writing by the manufacturer or distributor and;(4) if the product is intended for use as a pesticide or other purpose.2. Part 2 does not address products that contain pesticides where the manufacturer or distributor has made no pesticidal claims or statement of intended use. This amendment clarifies that the physical presence of a pesticide in a product, for which there is no significant commercially valuable non-pesticidal purpose when the product is used as intended (e.g., applied to the leaves of a plant), is sufficient to establish that the product is a pesticide subject to regulation under the Act- regardless of the lack of any pesticidal claims, advertising or statements or intent by the distributor.3. Recently, it came to the Department's attention that a product was being sold and distributed in Colorado. This product was sold as a leaf polish and made absolutely no pesticidal claims. The product was tested and found to contain the pesticide active ingredient pyrethrin. The Department has subsequently identified other products sold for use on plants that contain other pesticides not disclosed on the label or mentioned in any of the distributor's product advertising.4. This amendment makes clear that any such product is considered a pesticide under the Act and thus must be registered under the Act in order to be legally distributed in this state. Products containing pesticidal substances that are not registered are subject to stop sale orders and /or civil penalties.5. This amendment to the Rules implementing Colorado's Pesticide Act compliments the federal regulations implementing the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act ("FIFRA"), 40 C.F.R. § 152.15, which similarly requires registration under FIFRA of products containing active ingredients that have no non-pesticidal use, regardless of the absence of pesticidal claims. 20.15.Adopted September 20, 2017 - Effective November 30, 2017STATUTORY AUTHORITY
The amendments to these Rules are proposed for adoption by the Commissioner of the Colorado Department of Agriculture ("CDA") pursuant to his authority under the Pesticide Act ("Act"), specifically § 35-9-118(2)(f) and (h), C.R.S.
PURPOSE
The purpose of the proposed Rules is to:
Amend Parts 1, 3, 4, and 5 of the Rule to cite the most current version of Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations ("C.F.R.").
FACTUAL AND POLICY ISSUES
The factual and policy issues encountered when developing these rules include:
1. On February 26, 2016, the Environmental Protection Agency revised 40 C.F.R Part 152 to more clearly describe the active and inert ingredients that are permitted in products eligible for the minimum risk pesticide exemption.2. 40 C.F.R. is incorporated by reference in the Act at Part 1, Definitions and Construction of Terms; Part 3, The Registration System; Part 4, Label Requirements; and Part 5, Coloration and Discoloration. The last 40 C.F.R. date referenced in the Act is 2009.3. Updating the C.F.R. date reference to 2016 ensures that CDA's administration of the Act is consistent with current Federal law concerning minimum risk pesticide exemptions.20.16.Adopted September 17, 2019 - Effective October 30, 2019STATUTORY AUTHORITY
These amendments to these rules are proposed for adoption by the Commissioner of the Colorado Department of Agriculture ("CDA") pursuant to the authority under the Pesticide Act ("Act"), specifically §§ 35-9-107(2) and 35-9-118(3)(a), C.R.S
PURPOSE
The purpose of these proposed amendments is to:
Amend Part 3 of the Rules Pertaining to the Administration and Enforcement of the Pesticide Act (the "Rule") to increase Pesticide Registration fees by $40 to increase funding for the Department's state waters protection efforts as expanded by Senate Bill 19-186.
FACTUAL AND POLICY ISSUES
The factual and policy issues encountered when developing these rules include:
1. Pursuant to section 35-9-118(3)(a), C.R.S., any fee collected under the pesticide registration program shall have an increment approved by the Agricultural Commission to fund the Groundwater Protection Program. Currently, the Groundwater increment is set at $40.2. During the 2019 legislative session, the Colorado General Assembly introduced SB 19-186, effective August 2, 2019. SB 19-186 modified section 35-9-118(3)(a), changing "groundwater protection efforts" to "state waters protection efforts." This change expanded the scope and cost of implementing the program.3. The current pesticide registration fee is set forth in the Pesticide Act, Part 3.4, and is $165. The Department of Agriculture registers an average of 14,000 pesticide products per year.4. The Department of Agriculture proposes a fee increase of $40 per pesticide product registered in Colorado, increasing the registration fee to $205. The fee increase will generate, based on average registration renewals, an estimated $560,000 to the state waters program to cover increased program expenses.5. SB 19-186 appropriated $239,592 for the 2019-20 fiscal year to assist with the implementation of the state water sampling program. Subsequent to the first year of implementation, the estimated annual budget to operate the full state waters program will be $623,605. The remaining expenditures, not covered by the pesticide registration funding increase, will be realized by fertilizer tonnage fee revenues, as set forth in SB 19-186.6. The Department discussed the proposed $40 increase to pesticide registration fees with the Pesticide Advisory Committee on April 22, 2019, at a regularly scheduled committee meeting in accordance with section 35-9-118(3)(a), C.R.S.7. In 2017 the Virginia Department of Agriculture conducted a national survey on state pesticide registration fees. Thirty-six states responded; of those twelve states have pesticide registration fees that exceed $205 per product, the highest registration fee being set at $1,150 per product. Colorado's proposed fee is thirteenth in comparison to those states responding.20.17. Adopted November 8, 2023 - Effective December 30, 2023 Statutory Authority
These amendments to these rules are proposed for adoption by the Commissioner of the Colorado Department of Agriculture ("CDA") pursuant to her authority under the Pesticide Act ("Act"), specifically §§ 35-9-118(1), (2)(c)(I), and (7)(a) and (b), C.R.S.
Purpose
The purpose of these proposed amendments is to:
1. Amend Part 1.2 to include new definitions for the terms "indoor pest control product" and "interior plant pest control."2. Create a new Part 13.4 designating any pesticide containing one or more listed neonicotinoid active ingredients to be a state limited-use pesticide in the State of Colorado that may only be distributed by licensed dealers.3. Create a new Part 13.5 exempting certain pesticide products containing those neonicotinoid active ingredients from designation as a state limited-use pesticide based upon specific use patterns identified on the pesticide product label.4. Create a new Part 13.6 requiring that pesticide products containing the listed neonicotinoid active ingredients in Part 13.4 that are not otherwise exempt pursuant to Part 13.5 may only be distributed by licensed pesticide dealers starting July 1, 2024.5. Amend the Rules to correct non-substantive numbering, formatting, and typographical errors.Factual and Policy Issues
The factual and policy issues encountered when developing these rules include:
1. On May 17, 2023, SB23-266 was signed into law.2. SB23-266 required that the Department designate certain neonicotinoid pesticides as limited-use pesticides by January 1, 2024. A new Part 13.4 designates any pesticide containing one or more of eight listed neonicotinoid active ingredients to be a state limited-use pesticide that may only be distributed by a licensed dealer.3. SB23-266 also exempted certain pesticide products containing the identified neonicotinoid active ingredients from designation as a state limited-use pesticide if those pesticide products are used for academic research or if the pesticide product's label includes one or more specific use patterns. A new Part 13.5 exempts pesticide products containing the listed neonicotinoid active ingredients from classification as a limited-use pesticide if the product label includes one or more of the listed use patterns.4. One of the exempted use patterns in Part 13.5 is if the neonicotinoid pesticide product label permits use as an "indoor pest control product." Because that term was not defined in SB23-266, the Department added a definition of "indoor pest control product" at Part 1.02(i), as well as an associated definition for "interior plant pest control" at Part 1.02(j).5. SB23-266 requires licensure as a pesticide dealer to sell certain neonicotinoid pesticides. A new Part 13.6 requires licensure as a pesticide dealer to distribute pesticide products containing any of the neonicotinoid active ingredients in Part 13.4, except for those pesticide products exempted under Part 13.5, effective July 1, 2024.38 CR 23, December 10, 2015, effective 12/30/201539 CR 23, December 10, 2016, effective 12/30/201640 CR 20, October 25, 2017, effective 11/30/201742 CR 18, September 25, 2019, effective 10/30/201946 CR 23, December 10, 2023, effective 12/30/2023