2023 conference agenda

 

for full agenda click here

2023 conference Save the Date

 

click here for 2022 agenda

 

I regret to inform you that we have not been able to come up with a workable solution to our annual conference in Jan 2021. The restrictions on in person gatherings  led us to look at online options but the logistics just wont work for the IEPMA. We asked the provincial ministry to extend the roll over period for credits for an additional year so you would have the same credits going forward into 2022 which we were told is not possible.  To obtain credits in 2021 you will need to look for online courses such as PD Solutions. If you know that your certificate is expiring soon in 2021 and you have enough credits to renew I'd advise that you do so prior to its expiry date.  

For those of you that may require a few credits to allow recertification in 2021 the WCTA has extended an invitation to IEPMA members for their online course series.  There are four episodes scheduled for the Jan to March period that are limited to 100 participants with their current Zoom subscription.  IEPMA members are welcome to attend any of the episodes if they have extra space. Please click on the link below for course description and dates.   

If you do take part in one of the courses be sure to let our credit coordinator know so we can keep track of your credits. As more courses become available I'll send you the information.

 

http://www.wcta-online.com/news/wcta-news/2835-introducing-the-wcta-online-webinar-series-or-wow-for-short

Please take a moment and send the WCTA a thank you note for allowing IEPMA members to participate. 

Paul Visentin

President

IEPMA of Western Canada

Michael Lapham, BSc. Integrated Pest Management Officer Ministry of Environment & Climate Change Strategy was asked a number of questions at our recent conference. He responded with the answers below which are of value to all applicators in BC. If you require further clarification or have questions about the IPM regulations please contact Michael Lapham at:

Environmental Protection Division

102 Industrial Place

Penticton, BC V2A 7C8

(250) 490-2292

Michael.Lapham@gov.bc.ca

 

 

1.    I am having treatment notice signs made for the 2019 season. Can you provide me a list of all the requirements that need to be on the treatment notice sign? 

Answer: Under section 63 (1) and 63 (2) of the Integrated Pest Management regulation, treatment notice form and content, information regarding treatment notices are stated. http://www.bclaws.ca/civix/document/id/loo91/loo91/604_2004

The Explanatory Notes for Landscape Managers found on our website also have a good summary of these requirements starting on page 9:   https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/environment/pesticides-and-pest-management/pesticide-use/reviews/landscape_review.pdf

 

2.    I completed a course at a university pertaining to my Landscape Certificate. I wanted know where  I receive credits for that course that will extend my landscape certificate duration.  

Answer: Please contact your credit coordinator from IEPMA. He will contact  Lauren Hall at the Victoria Office where she will be able to determine whether the course that you took may be applied to your landscape certificate.

 

3.    The spray distance that must be maintained between a well is 30 meters. Are there any circumstances were the distance may be reduced with certain pesticides?  

Answer: Under section 71 (3),  except as provided in subsections (4) and (12) and 79 (2), a person described in subsection (1) must maintain a 30 m no-treatment zone around a water supply intake or well used for domestic or agricultural purposes, including water for livestock or for irrigation of crops.  

The answer here is that generally no, you cannot spray pesticides within 30 meters of a well. However there are some exceptions that apply. The exception, under subsection 71 (4) of the Regulation, which states that a licensee may reduce the 30 m no-treatment zone around a well or water supply intake if reasonably satisfied that the smaller zone will ensure that pesticide from the use will not enter the water supply intake or well.  However, if an applicator decides to reduce this 30 m, the applicator must record the information under which they made the decision (this is a requirement under Section 35 (l) of the Regulation), and the decision must be a reasonable one that takes into the type of product used, the soil type, weather, soil saturation, slope, etc. to ensure that pesticide will not get into the water. 

These exceptions should be taken with caution. If an issue occurs with the well due to applying within 30 meters and an unreasonable adverse effect occurs, the applicator would be responsible for causing that and could be considered out of compliance under Section 3(1)(a) of the Act – ``a person must not use a pesticide in a manner that causes or is likely to cause an unreasonable adverse effect 

The IPM regulation may be found here: http://www.bclaws.ca/civix/document/id/loo91/loo91/604_2004#section63

 

4.     Where do I take old backpack sprayers or other pesticide application equipment that I want to dispose of?  

Answer:  In general, if you want to get rid of an old backpack sprayer or other pesticide application equipment that is worn out, please triple rinse the spray equipment and take them to the landfill.  If you have any equipment that you are particularly concerned about with respect to the pesticide residues, an applicatory can always call a ministry IPM Officer to discuss disposal options.

Fertilizer 101 & Drip Irrigation Training

For those that can attend, SiteOne is hosting a free one day training session on Jan 23 2019 at their Kelowna site for anyone interested in learning more about fertilizer and drip irrigation basics. Excellent opportunity to interact one on one with leading industry experts. Lunch will be provided.

Get a printable copy here

for a printable early registration click here