Let’s dive into the highlights:

1. Eye Wash Station Regulation Review: Earlier this year, DPR suggested amendments to site decontamination rules, which we've dubbed the "eye wash regulations". Following our extensive communications - calls, written feedback, public hearing inputs, and more - DPR decided to revisit the requirement of eye wash stations for non-corrosive pesticide materials. This chiefly concerns our Branch 2 & 3 firms. To offer a realistic perspective, we provided DPR with a video detailing our routine exposure to these products and the contexts in which we handle them. We're keenly awaiting DPR's feedback on potential adjustments to these proposed rules.
   
   
2. Updates from the Structural Pest Control Board: The board recently shared draft details on alterations to the Continuing Education Credit framework. This is in line with the necessary amendments stemming from the 2017 Federal EPA Certification and Training (C&T) ruling.
   
   
3. EPA C&T Ruling and Licensing: In light of the EPA C&T ruling, DPR has reclassified the QAL/QAC categories for fumigation, introducing the test for Category M (Non-Soil Fumigation). Effective January 1, 2024, this license will be imperative for non-structural fumigation tasks such as commodity or burrow fumigation for rodents. For a thorough understanding: 
   
   ANRCatalog - Non-Soil Fumigation: A Pesticide Applicator Study Guide - ANR Catalog (ucanr.edu) Knowledge Expectations for Qualified Applicator Certificate & Qualified Applicator Licensce: Category M - Non-Soil Fumigation Category  
   
   More insights can be garnered from the DPR website or consulting your local distributor.
   
   
4. PCOC Committee Restructuring: In our commitment to serve our members better, PCOC has decided to bifurcate the Public Policy initiatives into two distinct bodies: the Legislative and Regulatory Committees. We're on the edge of our seats for the committee charters, which will delineate the specific domains of each group. Updates on this front are expected in the forthcoming board meeting, with detailed discussions scheduled for the respective committee assemblies. 

Stay tuned for more updates and thank you for your continued dedication and patience!

Darren Van Steenwyk, M.S., BCE
Regulatory Committee Chair — PCOC
Sprague Pest Solutions, Regional Entomologist
+1 661-610-8725
dvansteenwyk@spraguepest.com