State eyes new pesticide regulations near schools

State regulators are proposing new standards to help protect children when agricultural pesticides are applied near schools and child day-care facilities. The California Department of Pesticide Regulation announced the proposed protections Friday.

The proposed regulations would prohibit certain pesticide applications near public schools and child day-care facilities. It would also require growers and pest control contractors to notify schools, child care facilities and county Agricultural Commissioners when certain pesticides are used within a quarter mile of public K-12 schools and child day-care facilities. The ban would be in effect between 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday through Friday .

In May, Monterey County launched a pilot program at three schools in the Pajaro Valley Unified District, requiring five days advance notice for any fumigant pesticide application within a quarter mile of each school. The program is being tested at Ohlone, Hall District Elementary, and Pajaro Middle School.

Monterey County Agricultural Commissioner Eric Lauritzen announced Friday the program is expected to be operational when the new state regulations take effect.

The proposed state regulation would affect about 3,500 schools and child day-care facilities and involve approximately 2,500 growers in California.