The Bureau of Pesticide Compliance
(BPC) is responsible for enforcing the state code and the Federal
Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Routine
inspections, compliance assistance, and complaint investigations
are conducted at commercial applicator businesses (such as pest
control operators and lawn care companies), and farms. Environmental
sampling is conducted to determine violations and to decide
if any pesticide contamination must be removed. The bureau is
also responsible for enforcing the recently adopted Worker Protection
Standard that involves the protection of 40,000 agricultural
workers on New Jersey farms and nurseries.
NORTH AND SOUTH INSPECTOR UNITS (Regions)
For organizational purposes, the state is divided
into two geographical regions in which inspectors respond to
complaints, perform routine inspections, and compliance assistance
involving the regulation of pesticide use, sale, distribution,
and manufacture. Mercer, Monmouth, and all counties to the south
of these two counties are considered the "South Region".
All counties to the north of Mercer and Monmouth are considered
the "North Region".
WPS (Worker Protection Standards) UNIT
This unit is responsible for complaint investigations,
routine inspections, compliance assistance, and training activities
related to regulations designed to protect farm workers from
pesticide exposure. The activities of this unit are conducted
statewide - there is no regional distinction.
CEHA (County Environmental Health Act) POSITION
This position is responsible for coordinating
pesticide enforcement work delegated to county health departments
by DEP. Currently there is a pilot program in effect with over
10 counties which are conducting inspections such as checks
for proper licensing and notification posting. This position
is also responsible for coordinating DEP review of local pesticide
ordinances.
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