Chapter 634 — Pesticide Control

 

2023 EDITION

 

 

PESTICIDE CONTROL

 

FOOD AND OTHER COMMODITIES

 

GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

634.005     Short title; policy statement

 

634.006     Definitions

 

REGISTRATION, LABELING AND USE

 

634.016     Registration of pesticides and application devices; fee; contents of application; restriction on pesticide distribution and use; exemptions

 

634.022     Exemption from registration for experimental pesticides; approval required for use of experimental pesticides; applicability of law

 

634.026     Pesticide labeling requirements; highly toxic pesticides; applicability of law

 

634.032     When pesticide is misbranded

 

634.036     When pesticide is adulterated

 

634.042     Unsafe use of certain pesticides on raw agricultural commodities; tolerances and exemptions; applicability to fertilizers, agricultural minerals and lime mix

 

634.045     Avoidance of adverse effects on pollinating insects

 

634.048     Website information regarding pesticides

 

STATEWIDE REGULATION OF PESTICIDES

 

634.055     Legislative findings

 

634.057     State preemption of local pesticide regulation

 

634.060     Actions allowed by city, town, county or other political subdivision

 

634.063     Exceptions to state preemption of pesticide regulation

 

634.065     Department consideration of concerns raised by city, town, county or political subdivision

 

LICENSING AND CERTIFICATION

 

634.106     Applicability of ORS 634.112 to 634.126 and 634.146

 

634.112     Renewal of licenses or certificates; delinquency

 

634.116     Pesticide operator license; authorized activities; fees; pesticide applicator license; liability insurance; limitation on damages; rules; exemptions

 

634.122     Applicator license; qualifications; examination; fee

 

634.124     Noncommercial pesticide applicator license; fee; rules

 

634.126     Trainee certificate; renewal; fee

 

634.127     Noncommercial pesticide trainee certificate; fee

 

634.128     Aerial pesticide applicator certificate; fee

 

634.132     Consultant license; fee; qualifications; examination; applicability of law

 

634.136     Dealer license; fee; applicability of law

 

634.142     Private applicator certificate; standards; fee

 

634.146     Records required of operators; retention period; report to owner of treated field crops

 

634.148     Retesting following violation

 

LIABILITY CLAIMS PROCEDURE

 

634.172     Procedure for making liability claim against landowner or pesticide operator; investigation of report of loss; claim procedure not waiver of governmental immunity

 

PROTECTED AND RESTRICTED AREAS

 

634.206     Continuation of protected and restricted areas created by former law

 

634.212     Formation of protected areas; petition; filing fee; guidelines for determinations by director

 

634.216     Protected area as governmental subdivision upon completion of required filings

 

634.222     Determination of lawful establishment of protected area in actions or proceedings; certified copy of filed order as evidence

 

634.226     Protected area governing committee; member election and terms; committee officers; duties and powers; rulemaking authority

 

634.232     Restricted area formation; matters to be considered; additional area committee member

 

634.236     Increasing or decreasing size of protected area; consolidation of areas

 

634.242     Taxing power of area committee; limitation on amount of levy

 

ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT

 

634.306     General duties and powers of department; rules

 

634.312     Department to develop programs for solution of pesticide and synthetic chemical problems

 

634.316     List of highly toxic and restricted-use pesticides

 

634.322     Enforcement powers of department

 

634.326     Use of moneys received by department

 

PROHIBITIONS

 

634.372     Prohibited acts

 

634.375     Sanctions for failure to pay civil penalty

 

THIRAM STUDY AND RESTRICTIONS

 

634.410     Study of effects of thiram on health and safety; evaluation; report

 

634.415     Rules to insure adequate precautionary measures in use of thiram in reforestation

 

634.420     Limit on use of thiram; effect of study

 

634.425     Construction of ORS 634.410 to 634.425

 

TRIBUTYLTIN COMPOUNDS

 

634.500     Definitions for ORS 634.500 to 634.520

 

634.505     Prohibition against sale of compound that releases certain substances in water; exception

 

634.510     Conditions for sale

 

634.515     Sale by pesticide dealer; duties of customer

 

634.520     Report of sales to department

 

PESTICIDE ANALYTICAL AND RESPONSE CENTER

 

634.550     Center governing board; duties and powers

 

634.555     Pesticide incident telephone line

 

634.557     Biennial reporting of telephone line operations

 

MINOR CROPS ADVISORY COMMITTEE

 

634.600     Committee members; appointment; compensation and expenses; duties

 

INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT

 

(State Agencies and Public Universities)

 

634.650     Definitions for ORS 634.650 to 634.665

 

634.653     Appointment of State Integrated Pest Management Coordinator

 

634.655     Policy

 

634.657     Integrated Pest Management Coordinating Committee; purposes; report; funding

 

634.660     Agencies and universities required to implement integrated pest management

 

634.665     Agencies and universities to provide personnel training; appointment of coordinators; duties

 

(Schools)

 

634.700     Definitions for ORS 634.700 to 634.750

 

634.705     Adoption of integrated pest management plan and related provisions; exceptions; low-impact pesticide list

 

634.710     Plan selection

 

634.720     Plan coordinators

 

634.725     Application of low-impact pesticide

 

634.728     Pesticides used at community colleges for research or instruction

 

634.730     Reentry into sprayed area; exception; declaration of pest emergency

 

634.740     Written notice requirements; warning signs; failure to notify or warn

 

634.750     Pesticide application records

 

CIVIL PENALTIES

 

634.900     Penalty for certain violations; amount

 

634.905     When penalty payable; notice; hearing

 

634.910     Reduction of penalty; criteria

 

634.915     Schedule for penalty amounts; criteria; rules

 

634.925     Disposition of penalties collected

 

CRIMINAL PENALTIES

 

634.992     Criminal penalties

 

GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

      634.005 Short title; policy statement. The purpose of this chapter, which shall be known as the State Pesticide Control Act and shall be enforced by the State Department of Agriculture, is to regulate in the public interest the formulation, distribution, storage, transportation, application and use of pesticides. Many materials have been discovered or synthesized which are necessary and valuable for the control of insects, plant diseases and weeds. Many more pesticides will be discovered and needed. Such materials, however, may injure health, property, wildlife or environment by being distributed, stored, transported, applied or used in an improper or careless manner. The pesticide industry of this state has achieved and maintained high standards in its formulation and use of pesticides while at the same time experiencing a minimum of injury to persons, property or the environment. Currently updating the law to maintain this achievement and to consider future new pesticides and problems is necessary for the protection of persons, property, wildlife and environment of this state. [Formerly 634.012]

 

      634.006 Definitions. As used in this chapter unless the context requires otherwise:

      (1) “Antidote” means a practical immediate treatment in case of poisoning and includes first-aid treatment.

      (2) “Brand” or “trademark” means any word, name, symbol or any combination thereof adopted or used by a person to identify pesticides manufactured, compounded, delivered, distributed, sold or offered for sale in this state and to distinguish them from pesticides manufactured, compounded, delivered, distributed, sold or offered for sale by others.

      (3) “Department” means the State Department of Agriculture.

      (4) “Device” means any instrument or contrivance containing pesticides or other chemicals intended for trapping, destroying, repelling or mitigating insects or rodents or destroying, repelling or mitigating fungi, nematodes or such other pests as may be designated by the department, but does not include equipment used for the application of pesticides or other chemicals when sold separately from such pesticides or chemicals.

      (5) “Highly toxic” means a pesticide or device determined by the department to be capable of causing severe injury, disease or death to human beings.

      (6) “Indian tribe” means a federally recognized Indian tribe in Oregon, provided that the tribe engages in applicable pesticide use on lands other than Indian country, as defined in 18 U.S.C. 1151.

      (7) “Landowner” means a person:

      (a) Owning three acres or more within a proposed protected area; and

      (b) In the case of multiple ownership of land:

      (A) Whose interest is greater than an undivided one-half interest in the land; or

      (B) Who holds an authorization in writing from one or more of the other owners whose interest, when added to the interest of the person, are greater than an undivided one-half interest in the land.

      (8) “Noncommercial pesticide applicator” or “noncommercial applicator” means:

      (a) An individual who uses or supervises the use of any restricted-use pesticide or highly toxic pesticide on land or property owned or leased by the individual or the employer of the individual, except for an individual who performs the work, duties or responsibilities of a private applicator or a public applicator; or

      (b) An individual who owns or is employed by a private school and who performs or carries out the work, duties or responsibilities of a pesticide applicator at the school’s campus, as defined in ORS 634.700.

      (9) “Noncommercial pesticide trainee” means an individual who is working and engaged in a training program under a special certificate to qualify as a noncommercial pesticide applicator and who performs or carries out the work, duties or responsibilities of a pesticide trainee.

      (10) “Person” means:

      (a) A person as defined in ORS 174.100;

      (b) A public body as defined in ORS 174.109;

      (c) The federal government or any of its agencies; and

      (d) An Indian tribe.

      (11) “Pesticide” includes:

      (a) “Defoliant” which means any substance or mixture of substances intended for causing the leaves or foliage to drop from a plant with or without causing abscission;

      (b) “Desiccant” which means any substance or mixture of substances intended for artificially accelerating the drying of plant tissue;

      (c) “Fungicide” which means any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling or mitigating any fungus;

      (d) “Herbicide” which means any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling or mitigating any weed;

      (e) “Insecticide” which means any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling or mitigating any insects which may be present in any environment whatsoever;

      (f) “Nematicide” which means any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling or mitigating nematodes;

      (g) “Plant regulator” which means any substance or mixture of substances intended, through physiological action, to accelerate or retard the rate of growth or rate of maturation or to otherwise alter the behavior of ornamental or crop plants or the produce thereof, but does not include substances to the extent that they are intended as plant nutrients, trace elements, nutritional chemicals, plant inoculants or soil amendments; or

      (h) Any substance, or mixture of substances intended to be used for defoliating plants or for preventing, destroying, repelling or mitigating all insects, plant fungi, weeds, rodents, predatory animals or any other form of plant or animal life which is, or which the department declares to be a pest, which may infest or be detrimental to vegetation, humans, animals, or be present in any environment thereof.

      (12) “Pesticide applicator” or “applicator” means an individual who:

      (a)(A) Is using, spraying or applying restricted-use or highly toxic pesticides; or

      (B) Is spraying or applying pesticides for others;

      (b) Is authorized to work for and is employed by a pesticide operator; and

      (c) Is in direct charge of or supervises the spraying or other use of pesticides or operates, uses, drives or physically directs propulsion of equipment, apparatus or machinery during the spraying or other application of pesticides, either on the ground or, if certified under ORS 634.128, by aircraft.

      (13) “Pesticide consultant” means a person who offers or supplies technical advice, supervision, aid or recommendations to the user of pesticides classified by the department as restricted-use or highly toxic pesticides, whether licensed as a pesticide dealer or not.

      (14) “Pesticide dealer” means a person who sells, offers for sale, handles, displays or distributes any pesticide classified by the department as a restricted-use or highly toxic pesticide.

      (15) “Pesticide equipment” means any equipment, machinery or device used in the actual application of pesticides, including aircraft and ground spraying equipment.

      (16) “Pesticide operator” means a person who owns or operates a business engaged in the application of pesticides upon the land or property of another.

      (17) “Pesticide trainee” means an individual who:

      (a) Is employed by a pesticide operator; and

      (b) Is working and engaged in a training program under special certificate to qualify as a pesticide applicator.

      (18) “Private applicator” means an individual who uses or supervises the use of any pesticide, classified by the department as a restricted-use or highly toxic pesticide, for the purpose of producing agricultural commodities or forest crops on land owned or leased by the individual or the employer of the individual.

      (19) “Professed standard of quality” means a plain and true statement of the name and percentage of each active ingredient and the total percentage of all inert ingredients contained in any pesticide.

      (20) “Protected area” means an area established under the provisions of this chapter to prohibit or restrict the application of pesticides.

      (21) “Public applicator” means an individual who is an employee of the State of Oregon or its agencies, counties, cities, municipal corporations, other governmental bodies or subdivisions thereof, irrigation districts, drainage districts and public utilities and telecommunications utilities, or of an Indian tribe, and who performs or carries out the work, duties or responsibilities of a pesticide applicator.

      (22) “Public trainee” means an individual who is an employee of the State of Oregon or its agencies, counties, cities, municipal corporations, other governmental bodies or subdivisions thereof, irrigation districts, drainage districts and public utilities and telecommunications utilities, or of an Indian tribe, and who performs or carries out the work, duties or responsibilities of a pesticide trainee.

      (23) “Registrant” means a person registering any pesticide pursuant to this chapter.

      (24) “Restricted area” means an area established under the provisions of this chapter to restrict, but not prohibit, the application of pesticides.

      (25) “Restricted-use pesticide” means any pesticide or device that the department has found and determined to be so injurious or detrimental to humans, pollinating insects, bees, animals, crops, wildlife, land or environment, other than the pests it is intended to prevent, destroy, control or mitigate, that additional restrictions are required.

      (26) “Trainee” means a pesticide trainee, public trainee or noncommercial pesticide trainee.

      (27) “Weed” means any plant that grows where not wanted. [1973 c.341 §3; 1987 c.447 §134; 2015 c.833 §12; 2021 c.177 §1; 2022 c.53 §4; 2023 c.45 §1]

 

      634.007 [1995 s.s. c.3 §38a; repealed by 1996 c.10 §3 (634.055 enacted in lieu of 634.007)]

 

      634.009 [1995 s.s. c.3 §38b; repealed by 1996 c.10 §5 (634.057 enacted in lieu of 634.009)]

 

      634.010 [Repealed by 1953 c.118 §2]

 

      634.011 [1995 s.s. c.3 §38c; repealed by 1996 c.10 §7 (634.060 enacted in lieu of 634.011)]

 

      634.012 [1973 c.341 §2; renumbered 634.005 in 1995]

 

      634.013 [1995 s.s. c.3 §38d; repealed by 1996 c.10 §9 (634.063 enacted in lieu of 634.013)]

 

      634.015 [1995 s.s. c.3 §38e; repealed by 1996 c.10 §11 (634.065 enacted in lieu of 634.015)]

 

REGISTRATION, LABELING AND USE

 

      634.016 Registration of pesticides and application devices; fee; contents of application; restriction on pesticide distribution and use; exemptions. (1) Every pesticide, including each formula or formulation, manufactured, compounded, delivered, distributed, sold, offered or exposed for sale in this state shall be registered each year with the State Department of Agriculture.

      (2) Every device manufactured, delivered, distributed, sold, offered or exposed for sale in this state shall be registered each year with the department.

      (3) The registration shall be made by the manufacturer or a distributor of the pesticide.

      (4) The application for registration shall include:

      (a) The name and address of the registrant.

      (b) The name and address of the manufacturer if different than the registrant.

      (c) The brand name or trademark of the pesticide.

      (d) A specimen or facsimile of the label of each pesticide, and each formula or formulation, for which registration is sought, except for annual renewals of the registration when the label remains unchanged.

      (e) The correct name and total percentage of each active ingredient.

      (f) The total percentage of inert ingredients.

      (5) The application for registration shall be accompanied by a registration fee to be established by the department for each pesticide and each formula or formulation. The registration fee may not exceed $400 for each such pesticide, or each formula or formulation.

      (6) The department, at the time of application for registration of any pesticide or after a declaration of a ground water management area under ORS 468B.180 may:

      (a) Restrict or limit the manufacture, delivery, distribution, sale or use of any pesticide in this state.

      (b) Refuse to register any pesticide that is highly toxic for which there is no effective antidote under the conditions of use for which such pesticide is intended or recommended.

      (c) Refuse to register any pesticide for use on a crop for which no finite tolerances for residues of such pesticide have been established by either the department or the federal government.

      (d) In restricting the purposes for which pesticides may be manufactured, delivered, distributed, sold or used, or in refusing to register any pesticide, give consideration to:

      (A) The damage to health or life of humans or animals, or detriment to the environment, that might result from the distribution and use of such pesticide.

      (B) Authoritative findings and recommendations of agencies of the federal government and of any advisory committee or group established under ORS 634.306 (10).

      (C) The existence of an effective antidote under known conditions of use for which the material is intended or recommended.

      (D) Residual or delayed toxicity of the material.

      (E) The extent to which a pesticide or its carrying agent simulates by appearance and may be mistaken for human food or animal feed.

      (7) The provisions of this section shall not, except as provided herein, apply to:

      (a) The use and purchase of pesticides by the federal government or its agencies.

      (b) The sale or exchange of pesticides between manufacturers and distributors.

      (c) Drugs, chemicals or other preparations sold or intended for medicinal or toilet purposes or for use in the arts or sciences.

      (d) Common carriers, contract carriers or public warehousemen delivering or storing pesticides, except as provided in ORS 634.322. [1973 c.341 §7; 1975 c.304 §9; 1989 c.709 §3; 1989 c.833 §66; 2007 c.162 §1; 2015 c.833 §18]

 

      634.020 [Repealed by 1953 c.118 §2]

 

      634.022 Exemption from registration for experimental pesticides; approval required for use of experimental pesticides; applicability of law. (1) The provisions of ORS 634.016 are not applicable to pesticides used only for experimental or research purposes. Such pesticides shall be conspicuously labeled “For experimental purposes only and not for sale” in addition to the labeling requirements of ORS 634.026, except that they need not be labeled with directions for use or the professed standard of quality.

      (2)(a) Subject to the exemptions set forth in paragraph (b) of this subsection, before any pesticide can be used for experimental or research purposes a person proposing to use such pesticides shall obtain approval of the State Department of Agriculture. Application for such approval shall contain such information as may be required by the department, including the location and size of the plot on which the experiment or research is to be carried out, the nature of the pesticide to be utilized, the person responsible for such activities and the intended disposition of any crops grown upon the experimental or research plot.

      (b) The provisions of paragraph (a) of this subsection are not applicable to:

      (A) Federal or state agencies.

      (B) Experiments or research carried on in greenhouses.

      (3) If any person uses pesticides for experimental purposes as provided by this section contrary to the instructions and approval issued by the department, the department may immediately revoke such approval and refuse to issue its approval to such persons on future applications. [1973 c.341 §9; 1995 c.79 §324]

 

      634.026 Pesticide labeling requirements; highly toxic pesticides; applicability of law. (1) If not otherwise required or prescribed by federal law or rule, each package or container of every pesticide shall be labeled with:

      (a) The name and address of the manufacturer or person for whom it was manufactured.

      (b) The brand name or trademark under which the material is sold.

      (c) The professed standard of quality of the material.

      (d) The net weight or volume of the contents.

      (e) Adequate and necessary directions for its proper and intended use.

      (2) In addition to the information required by subsection (1) of this section, any pesticide which is highly toxic shall be labeled with:

      (a) A sign of a skull and crossbones.

      (b) The word “poison” in red on the package printed on a background of contrasting color.

      (c) A poison antidote for the material, if any.

      (3) The provisions of subsection (2) of this section shall not apply to bleaching powder or chloride of lime. [1973 c.341 §10]

 

      634.030 [Repealed by 1953 c.118 §2]

 

      634.032 When pesticide is misbranded. Pesticides shall be deemed misbranded if:

      (1) The package or container of such materials bears any false or misleading statement.

      (2) The container or package of such materials is not labeled as required by ORS 634.026. [1973 c.341 §11]

 

      634.036 When pesticide is adulterated. A pesticide shall be deemed to be adulterated if:

      (1) It is a pesticide other than a herbicide, defoliant or desiccant, is intended for use on vegetation and contains any substance which is injurious to such vegetation when used as directed under normal growing conditions.

      (2) The strength or purity of the pesticide is below the purported or professed standard of quality as expressed in its labeling, or any substance has been substituted wholly or in part for any ingredient of the pesticide, or any valuable constituent thereof has been omitted wholly or in part.

      (3) The contents of the package or container of pesticide do not meet their purported standard of quality in any other manner.

      (4) The contents of the package or container represented to be a pesticide are not definitely effective for the purpose for which recommended. [1973 c.341 §12]

 

      634.040 [Repealed by 1953 c.118 §2]

 

      634.042 Unsafe use of certain pesticides on raw agricultural commodities; tolerances and exemptions; applicability to fertilizers, agricultural minerals and lime mix. (1) Any poisonous or deleterious pesticide or any pesticide which, in the opinion of the State Department of Agriculture, is not generally recognized among experts qualified by scientific training and experience to evaluate the safety of pesticide chemicals as safe for use, added to a raw agricultural commodity, shall be deemed unsafe for the purposes of the application of ORS 616.235 (1)(b), unless:

      (a) A tolerance for such pesticide chemical in or on the raw agricultural commodity has been prescribed by regulation promulgated by the department and the quantity of such pesticide chemical in or on the raw agricultural commodity is within the limits of the tolerance so prescribed; or

      (b) With respect to use in or on such raw agricultural commodity, the pesticide chemical has been exempted from regulation promulgated by the department.

      (2) While a tolerance or exemption from tolerance is in effect for a pesticide chemical with respect to any raw agricultural commodity, such raw agricultural commodity shall not, by reason of bearing or containing any added amount of such pesticide chemical, be considered to be adulterated within the meaning of ORS 616.235 (1)(a), provided such pesticide chemical or the use of such pesticide chemical is in compliance with the law and regulations promulgated thereunder.

      (3) In a fertilizer, agricultural minerals, agricultural amendment or lime mix in which a pesticide is contained, all applicable provisions of this chapter must be complied with. In lieu of the requirements of ORS 634.026 (1)(c), the label or invoice on a certain mix may show the name and amount of the actual pesticide, together with the total amount of the entire mixture, including the amount of actual pesticide, to be applied to each acre. [1973 c.341 §13; 1979 c.29 §2; 1995 c.79 §325]

 

      634.045 Avoidance of adverse effects on pollinating insects. (1)(a) Oregon State University, in consultation with the State Department of Agriculture, shall develop educational materials regarding the best practices for avoiding adverse effects from pesticides on populations of bees and other pollinating insects.

      (b) The educational materials must include, but need not be limited to, measures that pesticide applicators and pesticide trainees can take to protect honeybees and bumblebees.

      (c) The university and the department shall design the requirements to ensure that any pesticide applicator applying or supervising the application of a pesticide is knowledgeable regarding alternatives to, the appropriateness of, and precautions for pesticide use that may be injurious to the health of bees and other pollinating insects.

      (d) The department shall make the educational materials described in this section a part of the education required for taking the pesticide applicator licensing examination under ORS 634.122 and 634.124.

      (2)(a) Oregon State University, in consultation with the State Department of Agriculture, the State Forestry Department, the Department of Transportation and the State Department of Fish and Wildlife shall develop and annually revise a pollinator health outreach and education plan to educate the public regarding the best practices for increasing habitat for bees and other pollinating insects and avoiding adverse effects from pesticides on populations of bees and other pollinating insects. The plan shall include:

      (A) Educational materials that are appropriate and effective for a broad audience, including, but not limited to, pesticide applicators, consultants, dealers, operators and trainees, noncommercial pesticide applicators and private applicators, as those terms are defined in ORS 634.006, and members of the public; and

      (B) A communication strategy for dissemination of educational materials using media sources, state agencies, associations and organizations.

      (b) Oregon State University, including a representative of the university who specializes in pollinator health, the State Department of Agriculture, the State Forestry Department, the Department of Transportation and the State Department of Fish and Wildlife shall conduct an annual meeting to:

      (A) Confer regarding the activities that the university and each agency undertook to promote pollinator health and increases in pollinator habitat in accordance with the plan developed under paragraph (a) of this subsection; and

      (B) Review revisions to the plan developed under paragraph (a) of this subsection.

      (3) The State Department of Agriculture shall develop a bee incident reporting system to facilitate public reporting of incidents related to pollinator health to the department.

      (4) Oregon State University, in consultation with the State Department of Agriculture, shall develop a pesticide use safety plan to educate the public regarding best practices in the use of pesticides. The plan shall include:

      (a) Educational materials that are appropriate and effective for a broad audience, including, but not limited to, pesticide applicators, consultants, dealers, operators and trainees and private applicators and noncommercial applicators, as those terms are defined in ORS 634.006, and members of the public; and

      (b) A communication strategy for dissemination of educational materials using media sources, state agencies, associations and organizations. [2014 c.40 §1; 2015 c.744 §1; 2021 c.29 §1; 2022 c.53 §5]

 

      Note: 634.045 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 634 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      634.048 Website information regarding pesticides. The State Department of Agriculture shall post information regarding pesticides on a department website that is available for access by the public without charge. The department shall indicate on the website those pesticides and devices that the department has listed under ORS 634.316 as highly toxic or restricted-use pesticides or devices. [2015 c.833 §17]

 

      634.050 [Repealed by 1953 c.118 §2]

 

STATEWIDE REGULATION OF PESTICIDES

 

      634.055 Legislative findings. The Legislative Assembly hereby determines that the citizens of this state benefit from a system of safe, effective and scientifically sound pesticide regulation. The Legislative Assembly further finds that a uniform, statewide system of pesticide regulation that is consistent, coordinated and comports with both federal and state technical expertise is essential to the public health, safety and welfare and that local regulation of pesticides does not materially assist in achieving these benefits. [1996 c.10 §4 (enacted in lieu of 634.007)]

 

      634.057 State preemption of local pesticide regulation. No city, town, county or other political subdivision of this state shall adopt or enforce any ordinance, rule or regulation regarding pesticide sale or use, including but not limited to:

      (1) Labeling;

      (2) Registration;

      (3) Notification of use;

      (4) Advertising and marketing;

      (5) Distribution;

      (6) Applicator training and certification;

      (7) Licensing;

      (8) Transportation;

      (9) Packaging;

      (10) Storage;

      (11) Disclosure of confidential information; or

      (12) Product composition. [1996 c.10 §6 (enacted in lieu of 634.009)]

 

      634.060 Actions allowed by city, town, county or other political subdivision. Notwithstanding ORS 634.057, a city, town, county or other political subdivision of this state may adopt a policy regarding the use of pesticides on property owned by the city, town, county or other political subdivision adopting the policy. [1996 c.10 §8 (enacted in lieu of 634.011)]

 

      634.063 Exceptions to state preemption of pesticide regulation. Nothing in ORS 634.057 shall limit the authority of a city, town, county or other political subdivision of this state to adopt or enforce a local ordinance, rule or regulation strictly necessary to comply with:

      (1) The Uniform Building Code published by the International Conference of Building Officials, as amended and adopted by the Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services;

      (2) A uniform fire code; or

      (3) Any requirement of a state or federal statute or regulation pertaining to pesticides. [1996 c.10 §10 (enacted in lieu of 634.013)]

 

      634.065 Department consideration of concerns raised by city, town, county or political subdivision. In administering this chapter, the State Department of Agriculture shall consider any concern raised by a city, town, county or other political subdivision of the state regarding the regulation of pesticides. [1996 c.10 §12 (enacted in lieu of 634.015)]

 

LICENSING AND CERTIFICATION

 

      634.106 Applicability of ORS 634.112 to 634.126 and 634.146. ORS 634.112 to 634.126 and 634.146 shall not apply to:

      (1) Manufacturers of materials engaged in research or experimental work on pesticides.

      (2) Persons engaged in the business of a pesticide operator or applicator only in the application of any pollenicide.

      (3) Persons licensed as veterinarians under ORS chapter 686 who are engaged in the practice of veterinary medicine within the scope of their veterinary medicine practice and employees of licensed veterinarians when acting within the scope of their employment.

      (4) A farmer or forestland owner applying pesticides, other than restricted-use pesticides, by use of equipment of the farmer or forestland owner for others on an occasional basis not amounting to a principal or regular occupation, if the farmer does not publicly hold out as a pesticide applicator and if the pesticides that are applied are furnished by the owner of the land on which such pesticides are applied.

      (5) Persons who do not advertise or publicly hold themselves out as being in the business of applying pesticides but whose main or principal work or business is the maintenance of small or home lawns, shrubs or gardens.

      (6) Persons who do not advertise or publicly hold themselves out as being in the business of applying pesticides and whose principal activity or business as related to pesticides is selling pesticides or selling or leasing equipment.

      (7) Railroads, to the extent that the application of pesticides is by their regular employees, on land or property under their ownership, supervision, control or jurisdiction, except that if power-operated spray equipment is used for applying volatile herbicides, the application shall be under the direct supervision of a licensed public applicator. [1973 c.341 §22; 1995 c.360 §1; 2001 c.307 §1]

 

      634.110 [Repealed by 1953 c.117 §2]

 

      634.112 Renewal of licenses or certificates; delinquency. (1) Except as provided in ORS 634.142 (2), any license or certificate issued or required of a pesticide consultant, dealer, operator, applicator, private applicator, noncommercial applicator or trainee by this chapter shall expire on December 31 following issuance or on such date as may be specified by rule of the State Department of Agriculture. At least 30 days prior to the expiration date, the department shall by mail notify each person holding a license or certificate of the expiration date thereof.

      (2) Applications for all licenses or certificates required of a pesticide consultant, dealer, operator, applicator, private applicator, noncommercial applicator or trainee, or renewal thereof, shall be made to the department on forms prescribed by the department and accompanied by the prescribed fee.

      (3) All such licenses or certificates are personal to the applicant and may not be transferred to any other person.

      (4) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as requiring a person, helping or assisting in the application of pesticides by a licensed pesticide applicator, licensed noncommercial pesticide applicator or certified private applicator or the pesticide application business through the performance of manual labor only, to obtain a license or certificate, if the actual application of pesticides is made by:

      (a) A licensed pesticide applicator, licensed noncommercial pesticide applicator or a certified private applicator; or

      (b) A person applying pesticides under ORS 634.106.

      (5) Failure to pay the renewal license fees when due by a pesticide consultant, dealer, operator, applicator or noncommercial applicator, or failure to pay the renewal certificate fees by a trainee, shall forfeit the right to engage in the activities of a pesticide consultant, dealer, operator, applicator, noncommercial applicator or trainee, as the case may be. Any person whose pesticide consultant, dealer, operator, applicator or noncommercial applicator license, or trainee certificate, has been forfeited, shall not be issued a license, certificate or renewal license or renewal certificate except upon written application to the department accompanied by a sum of money equal to the license or certificate fee which should have been paid.

      (6) If such person is a pesticide consultant, applicator or noncommercial applicator and does not pay the license fee during the first month in which the license fee is delinquent, thereafter such pesticide consultant, applicator or noncommercial applicator shall not only pay the required license fee but shall also obtain a passing grade in a reexamination given by the department for pesticide applicators as prescribed in ORS 634.122, or otherwise demonstrate knowledge of the subject to the satisfaction of the department.

      (7) No penalty reexamination shall be required of a person whose application for renewal of a license or certificate is accompanied by a signed statement that prior to the application the person has not operated or worked as a pesticide consultant, applicator, noncommercial applicator or trainee, as the case may be, during the previous six months or since the expiration date of the last license or certificate of the person, whichever time is less. If the department later verifies this signed statement is false, then notwithstanding the provisions of ORS chapter 183, the department may immediately suspend the license or certificate which was issued as a result of such statement. Such suspension shall only be removed after the person has complied with the applicable provisions of subsections (5) and (6) of this section. [1973 c.341 §14; 1975 c.304 §10; 1979 c.232 §1; 2007 c.768 §40; 2022 c.53 §6]

 

      634.116 Pesticide operator license; authorized activities; fees; pesticide applicator license; liability insurance; limitation on damages; rules; exemptions. (1) A pesticide operator’s license, or supplements thereto, shall authorize the licensee to engage in one or more of the classes of pest control or pesticide application business prescribed by the State Department of Agriculture under ORS 634.306 (2). The department may not issue a pesticide operator license to the United States, the State of Oregon or federal, state or local agencies, instrumentalities, political subdivisions, counties, cities, towns, municipal corporations, irrigation, drainage or other districts, other federal, state or local governmental bodies or an Indian tribe.

      (2) During a license period, and after a person has been issued a license to engage in certain classes of pest control or pesticide application business during a license period, the department upon receiving an additional application and applicable fees, may authorize the licensee to engage in additional classes of pest control or pesticide application business for the remainder of the license period as prescribed in ORS 634.306 (2).

      (3)(a) The department shall establish a pesticide operator license fee not to exceed $90 for the first class of pest control or pesticide application business as prescribed in ORS 634.306 (2) and not to exceed $15 for each additional class.

      (b) After a person makes first application for a specific license period, if later during the same license period the person desires to engage in additional classes of pest control or pesticide application businesses, such person shall pay the fee for each additional class established by the department not to exceed $20.

      (4) At least one owner or part owner of the pest control or pesticide application business shall also obtain and maintain a pesticide applicator’s license if the pesticide operator is a sole proprietorship or a partnership. At least one officer or employee shall obtain and maintain a pesticide applicator’s license if the pesticide operator is a corporation. If a pesticide operator is found to be in violation of this subsection, the pesticide operator’s license, notwithstanding ORS chapter 183, is automatically suspended until the pesticide operator is in compliance. If the business is owned by one individual, the department shall make no charge for the pesticide applicator license issued to the individual under ORS 634.122.

      (5) The department shall not issue or renew a pesticide operator’s license until the applicant or licensee has furnished evidence to the department, in the form of a public liability policy issued by an insurance company qualified to do business in Oregon, protecting the applicant or licensee against liability for injury or death to persons and loss of or damage to property resulting from the application of pesticides, or in lieu of a policy, has furnished a deposit of cash, surety bond or other evidence of financial responsibility acceptable to the department that may be applied by the department to the payment of damages resulting from operator liability. However:

      (a) Except as required under paragraph (b) of this subsection, the financial responsibility required by this section shall not apply to damages or injury to crops or real or personal property being worked upon by the applicant.

      (b) If the applicant or licensee is to be engaged in the business of controlling or eradicating structural pests, or pests within a public or private place, or pests within private or public places where food is served, prepared or processed or where persons are regularly housed, the financial responsibility required by this section shall apply to damages or injury to real or personal property being worked upon, as well as all the other real and personal property set forth in this section.

      (6) The financial responsibility required by subsection (5) of this section must be not less than $25,000 for bodily injury to one or more persons and not less than $25,000 for property damage.

      (7) Notwithstanding the provisions of ORS chapter 183, if the licensed pesticide operator fails to maintain the financial responsibility required by subsections (5) and (6) of this section, the license is automatically suspended until the department again verifies the pesticide operator is in compliance with subsections (5) and (6) of this section. The liability insurance company shall notify the department in writing at least 30 days prior to any cancellation of an insurance policy required by this section.

      (8) Notwithstanding the provisions of ORS 105.810 and 105.815 or other laws to the contrary, the amount of damages for which a pesticide operator or pesticide applicator is liable as a result of use of pesticides, or financial responsibility for the same is limited to actual damages only.

      (9) The department shall return the deposit required by subsection (5) of this section to the pesticide operator if the pesticide operator at any time establishes exemption from the financial responsibility requirements under this chapter. After the expiration of two years from the date of an injury, death, loss or damage, the department shall return any deposit remaining to the pesticide operator or to the personal representative of the pesticide operator except that the department shall not make a return if the department has received notice that an action for damages arising out of the provisions of this section has been filed against the pesticide operator for whom the deposit was made, and the department has determined that the action is pending or that any judgment resulting from the action remains unpaid.

      (10) If the pesticide operator is or employs a pesticide applicator to spray or otherwise apply pesticides by aircraft, in addition to other provisions of this section relating to financial responsibility, the department may by rule allow the pesticide operator to reduce, suspend or terminate the liability insurance, applicable to spraying or otherwise applying pesticides by aircraft, and required by subsections (5) and (6) of this section during certain periods of the year.

      (11) The department may by rule allow liability insurance policies required by subsections (5) and (6) of this section to include deductible clauses of amounts to be determined by the department.

      (12)(a) The United States, the State of Oregon or federal, state or local agencies, instrumentalities, political subdivisions, counties, cities, towns, municipal corporations, irrigation, drainage or other districts, other federal, state or local governmental bodies or Indian tribes are not required to obtain a license as a pesticide operator or to furnish evidence of financial responsibility to the department when:

      (A) Applying pesticides to property under their ownership, possession, control or jurisdiction;

      (B) Applying pesticides pursuant to an order issued by the department for purposes of controlling or eradicating noxious weeds or pests; or

      (C) Applying pesticides to property under the ownership, possession, control or jurisdiction of another federal, state or local agency, instrumentality, political subdivision, county, city, town, municipal corporation, irrigation, drainage or other district, of another federal, state or local governmental body, of an Indian tribe or of a homeowners association as defined under ORS 94.550 if:

      (i) The land is in a jurisdiction adjacent to property under their ownership, possession, control or jurisdiction;

      (ii) The application is done in conjunction with, or as an extension of, an application of pesticides to property under their ownership, possession, control or jurisdiction; and

      (iii) The pesticide application is done on a cost recovery, cooperative trade of services or no cost basis, and not as a source for profit.

      (b) A public utility or telecommunications utility is not required to obtain a license as a pesticide operator or to furnish evidence of financial responsibility to the department when applying pesticides to property under the ownership, possession or control of the utility.

      (c) In addition to any application allowed under paragraph (a) of this subsection, a vector control district is not required to obtain a license as a pesticide operator or to furnish evidence of financial responsibility to the department when applying pesticides for the prevention, control or eradication of a public health vector as defined in ORS 452.010 to property under the ownership, possession, control or jurisdiction of another federal, state or local agency, instrumentality, political subdivision, county, city, town, municipal corporation, irrigation, drainage or other district or other federal, state or local governmental body or of a homeowners association as defined under ORS 94.550 if the pesticide application is done on a cost recovery, cooperative trade of services or no cost basis, and not as a source of profit.

      (13) Subject to subsection (15) of this section, the employees of the agencies, instrumentalities, subdivisions, counties, cities, towns, municipal corporations, districts, governmental bodies, Indian tribes or utilities described in subsection (12) of this section who perform or carry out the work, duties or responsibilities of a pesticide applicator are subject to the provisions of this chapter, except they shall be issued “public applicator” licenses or, if they carry out the work, duties or responsibilities of a pesticide trainee, shall be issued “public trainee” certificates, if they otherwise comply or qualify with the provisions of this chapter relating thereto.

      (14) The public applicator license or public trainee certificate shall be:

      (a) Issued by the department upon payment of the fee for the pesticide applicator license or pesticide trainee certificate.

      (b) Valid and used by the licensee or certificate holder only when applying pesticides as described in subsection (12) of this section.

      (c) Renewed, suspended or revoked each year in the same manner, under the same provisions and at the same time as other pesticide applicator licenses and trainee certificates are renewed, suspended or revoked.

      (15) The provisions of subsection (13) of this section apply only to:

      (a) The application of restricted-use pesticides;

      (b) The application of any pesticide by using a machine-powered device; or

      (c) The application of any pesticide at the campus of a school, as defined in ORS 634.700, by an employee of the school.

      (16) Prior to applying pesticides to land described in subsection (12)(a)(C) of this section, a public applicator shall inform the person requesting pesticide application of the possible availability of alternative sources of assistance, including sources in the private sector that are registered with the department or with industry trade or professional organizations.

      (17) A federal, state or local agency, instrumentality, political subdivision, county, city, town, municipal corporation, irrigation, drainage or other district or other federal, state or local governmental body may not solicit or advertise for pesticide application business in areas outside its jurisdiction.

      (18) Before issuing any pesticide license or certificate, or the renewal thereof, to an employee of an Indian tribe, to a business entity of an Indian tribe or to an employee of a business entity of an Indian tribe, the department shall enter into a mutually acceptable agreement with the Indian tribe or business entity to enable the department to administer and enforce the provisions of this chapter and rules adopted under this chapter with respect to the Indian tribe or business entity. [1973 c.341 §15; 1975 c.304 §11; 1987 c.317 §1; 1987 c.447 §135; 1993 c.599 §1; 2001 c.307 §2; 2005 c.96 §1; 2007 c.258 §9; 2009 c.501 §10; 2015 c.833 §5; 2023 c.45 §2]

 

      634.120 [Repealed by 1953 c.117 §2]

 

      634.122 Applicator license; qualifications; examination; fee. (1) An applicant for a pesticide applicator’s license is entitled to be examined for or to be issued a license or supplements thereto by the State Department of Agriculture, if the applicant:

      (a) Is at least 18 years of age; and

      (b) Proves to the satisfaction of the department that the applicant:

      (A) Has had experience as a pesticide trainee for the minimum period and in the manner prescribed by the department;

      (B) Has educational qualifications, experience or training which is equal to the minimum standards and requirements established by the department; or

      (C) Has been licensed in Oregon as a pesticide applicator and actively engaged in such work during the prior license period, as shall be prescribed by the department.

      (2) An applicant for a pesticide applicator’s license shall be required to demonstrate satisfactorily by written examination or any reexamination given by the department, an adequate knowledge of:

      (a) The characteristics of pesticides and the effect of their application to particular crops.

      (b) The practices of application of pesticides.

      (c) The conditions and times of application of pesticides and the precautions to be taken in connection therewith.

      (d) The applicable laws and rules relating to pesticides and their application in this state.

      (e) Integrated pest management techniques, as defined in ORS 634.650, for pest control.

      (f) Other requirements or procedures which will be of benefit to and protect the pesticide applicator, the persons who use the services of the pesticide applicator and the property of others.

      (3) Based upon the license application and the request of the applicant, the department may examine the applicant only in any one or more of the classes of pest control or pesticide application businesses established by the department under ORS 634.306 (2).

      (4)(a) A pesticide applicator license fee shall be established by the department not to exceed $50 for the first class of pest control or pesticide application business as prescribed in ORS 634.306 (2) and not to exceed $7.50 for each additional class.

      (b) After a person makes first application for a license or renewal thereof for a specific license period, if later during the same license period such person desires to engage in additional classes of pest control or pesticide application business as prescribed in ORS 634.306 (2), such person shall pay the fee for each additional class established by the department not to exceed $12.50.

      (5) Examinations or reexaminations for pesticide applicator’s licenses shall be given by the department at such time and in any of its branch offices or other locations it deems expedient, and shall be under the supervision of its employees or appointees. The department is authorized to:

      (a) Appoint without pay or reimbursement, employees of other state agencies who are authorized to give examinations.

      (b) Prepare and maintain various types of examinations and types and schedules of reexaminations and to take all other measures deemed necessary to insure that persons receiving passing grades thereto have been fairly and reasonably tested as to their ability and that there have been no fraudulent or dishonest means used by the applicants in applying for or in the taking of examinations or reexaminations.

      (6) If it verifies an applicant has received a passing grade on the examination or reexamination and otherwise has complied with the provisions of this chapter, the department shall issue a pesticide applicator’s license. [1973 c.341 §16; 1975 c.304 §12; 1991 c.943 §6; 1993 c.599 §2; 1995 c.79 §326; 2019 c.84 §1]

 

      634.124 Noncommercial pesticide applicator license; fee; rules. (1) An applicant for a noncommercial pesticide applicator license must:

      (a) Be at least 18 years of age at the time the license is issued; and

      (b) Demonstrate to the satisfaction of the State Department of Agriculture, on a written examination or any reexamination given by the department, an adequate knowledge of:

      (A) The characteristics of pesticides and the effect of their application;

      (B) The practices of application of pesticides;

      (C) The conditions and times of application of pesticides and the precautions to be taken in connection therewith;

      (D) The applicable laws and rules relating to pesticides and their application in this state;

      (E) Integrated pest management techniques, as defined in ORS 634.650, for pest control;

      (F) Best practices for avoiding adverse effects from pesticides on populations of bees and other pollinating insects; and

      (G) Other requirements or procedures that will benefit and protect human health and the environment.

      (2) Based upon the license application and the request of the applicant, the department may examine the applicant in any one or more of the classes of pest control established by the department under ORS 634.306 (2).

      (3) The fee for a noncommercial pesticide applicator license, including fees for an additional class, shall be the same as the license fee adopted by the department, pursuant to ORS 634.122, for a pesticide applicator’s license.

      (4) A noncommercial pesticide applicator license shall be:

      (a) Valid and used by the licensee only when applying pesticides as authorized by the noncommercial pesticide applicator license; and

      (b) Renewed, suspended or revoked in the same manner, under the same provisions and at the same time as other pesticide applicator licenses are renewed, suspended or revoked.

      (5) The department is authorized to prepare and maintain various types of examinations and types and schedules of reexaminations and to take all other measures deemed necessary to ensure that persons receiving passing grades have been fairly and reasonably tested as to their ability and that there have been no fraudulent or dishonest means used by the applicants in applying for or in the taking of examinations or reexaminations.

      (6) If the department verifies an applicant has received a passing grade on the examination or reexamination and otherwise has complied with the provisions of this chapter, the department shall issue a noncommercial pesticide applicator’s license.

      (7) A person acting as a noncommercial pesticide applicator shall prepare and maintain records as required by the department.

      (8) A noncommercial pesticide applicator license does not authorize a licensee to work for or be employed by a pesticide operator.

      (9) The department may adopt rules to administer the provisions of this chapter pertaining to noncommercial pesticide applicators and noncommercial pesticide trainees. In adopting such rules, the department shall consider the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, 7 U.S.C. 136 et seq., or other relevant federal laws or regulations, or relevant provisions of this chapter. [2022 c.53 §2]

 

      Note: 634.124 was added to and made a part of ORS chapter 634 by legislative action but was not added to any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      634.126 Trainee certificate; renewal; fee. (1) In accordance with rules adopted by the State Department of Agriculture, as provided in ORS 634.306 (1), the department shall issue or renew its pesticide trainee’s certificate if the applicant or certificate holder:

      (a) Is at least 18 years of age;

      (b) Is employed by a licensed pesticide operator;

      (c) Is working under the direct supervision and control of a licensed applicator or, if spraying or otherwise applying pesticides by aircraft, a certified aerial pesticide applicator; and

      (d) Is in compliance with the applicable provisions of this chapter and rules adopted under this chapter.

      (2) The fees for a pesticide trainee’s certificate, or renewal thereof, shall be the same as the license fee for a pesticide applicator. [1973 c.341 §17; 1997 c.249 §193; 2015 c.833 §6]

 

      634.127 Noncommercial pesticide trainee certificate; fee. (1) In accordance with rules adopted by the State Department of Agriculture, as provided in ORS 634.306 (1), the department shall issue or renew a noncommercial pesticide trainee’s certificate if the applicant or certificate holder:

      (a) Is at least 18 years of age;

      (b) Is working under the direct supervision and control of a licensed noncommercial pesticide applicator or, if spraying or otherwise applying pesticides by aircraft, a certified aerial pesticide applicator; and

      (c) Is in compliance with the applicable provisions of this chapter and rules adopted under this chapter pertaining to noncommercial pesticide applicators.

      (2) The fee for a noncommercial pesticide trainee’s certificate, or renewal thereof, shall be the same as the license fee for a pesticide applicator. [2022 c.53 §3]

 

      634.128 Aerial pesticide applicator certificate; fee. (1) An individual may not spray or otherwise apply a pesticide by aircraft unless the individual holds a valid aerial pesticide applicator certificate issued by the State Department of Agriculture.

      (2) The department may issue an aerial pesticide applicator certificate to an individual who:

      (a) Is a licensed pesticide applicator, licensed public applicator, licensed noncommercial pesticide applicator or certified private applicator;

      (b) Passes a national examination, or other examination approved by the department, testing the knowledge of the individual regarding proper spraying and other application of pesticides by aircraft;

      (c) Holds a valid commercial pilot certificate for the type of aircraft to be used by the individual in applying pesticides;

      (d) Has 50 or more hours of experience as a licensed pesticide applicator, licensed public applicator, licensed noncommercial pesticide applicator or certified private applicator, or as a pesticide trainee, public trainee or noncommercial pesticide trainee under the supervision of a certified aerial pesticide applicator, on flights conducted for the purpose of carrying out, or training to carry out, spraying or otherwise applying pesticides by aircraft; and

      (e) Pays a certificate fee established by the department by rule.

      (3) In determining appropriate examinations for approval under subsection (2)(b) of this section, the department shall give consideration to any examination of aerial pesticide applicator competency developed or approved by a national organization of state agencies that regulate agriculture.

      (4)(a) The department shall establish a term for aerial pesticide applicator certificates, not to exceed five years. The department shall suspend or revoke the certificate if the certificate holder fails to maintain a valid pesticide applicator license, public applicator license, noncommercial pesticide applicator license or private applicator certificate. Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this subsection, an aerial pesticide applicator certificate may be renewed.

      (b) The certificate holder may renew an aerial pesticide applicator certificate only if, during the preceding five years, the holder successfully completed at least 10 credit hours in programs of instruction or educational courses satisfactory to the department and related to the spraying or other application of pesticides by aircraft. In determining whether programs of instruction or educational courses are satisfactory for purposes of this subsection, the department shall consult with professional associations or other organizations serving aerial applicators of pesticides or with a national organization of state agencies that regulate agriculture. The department shall count any credit hours in satisfactory programs of instruction or educational courses described in this subsection toward any instruction or education requirements imposed by the department for the renewal of a pesticide applicator license or noncommercial pesticide applicator license.

      (5) If a certificate holder is licensed as a public applicator, the certificate holder may spray or otherwise apply pesticides by aircraft only to properties described in ORS 634.116 (12). [2015 c.833 §3; 2015 c.833 §4; 2022 c.53 §7]

 

      634.130 [Repealed by 1953 c.117 §2]

 

      634.132 Consultant license; fee; qualifications; examination; applicability of law. (1) The annual license fee for a pesticide consultant shall be established by the State Department of Agriculture not to exceed $40.

      (2) An applicant for a pesticide consultant’s license shall be required to demonstrate satisfactorily by written examination or any reexamination given by the department, an adequate knowledge of:

      (a) The characteristics of pesticides and the effect of their application to particular crops.

      (b) The practices of application of pesticides.

      (c) The conditions and times of application of pesticides and the precautions to be taken in connection therewith.

      (d) The applicable laws and rules relating to pesticides and their application in this state.

      (e) Other requirements or procedures which will be of benefit to and protect the pesticide applicators, the persons who use the services of the pesticide applicator and the property of others.

      (3) Based upon the license application and the request of the applicant, the department may examine the applicant only in any one or more of the classes of pesticides established by the department under ORS 634.306 (2).

      (4) Examinations or reexaminations for pesticide consultant’s licenses shall be subject to ORS 634.122 (5) and (6).

      (5) This section shall not apply to licensed pesticide applicators or operators. [1973 c.341 §18; 1975 c.304 §13; 1993 c.599 §3; 2019 c.84 §2]

 

      634.136 Dealer license; fee; applicability of law. (1) The annual license fee for a pesticide dealer shall be established by the State Department of Agriculture not to exceed $75. A separate license shall be required for each sales outlet or location.

      (2) This section shall not apply to:

      (a) Any licensed pesticide operator who sells restricted-use or highly toxic pesticides as a part of services, or through licensed employees, through the use of the equipment of the licensed pesticide operator.

      (b) Any state, federal or governmental agency providing restricted-use or highly toxic pesticides to its own employees for use in its own programs.

      (c) Any person who sells, offers for sale, handles or distributes pesticide-fertilizer mixtures only in packages of 25 pounds or less in size. [1973 c.341 §19; 1975 c.304 §14; 1993 c.599 §4]

 

      634.140 [Repealed by 1953 c.117 §2]

 

      634.142 Private applicator certificate; standards; fee. (1) The State Department of Agriculture shall issue or renew a private applicator’s certificate if the applicant or certificate holder meets the certification standards established by the department pursuant to ORS 634.306 (14).

      (2) A fee, established by the department, shall be assessed for a private applicator’s certificate or renewal thereof. The fee may not exceed $25. The time for which a certificate is valid shall be five years. [1973 c.341 §20; 1979 c.232 §2; 2003 c.14 §390]

 

      634.146 Records required of operators; retention period; report to owner of treated field crops. (1) Pesticide operators shall prepare and maintain records on forms approved by the State Department of Agriculture. Such records shall include:

      (a) The name of the person for whom the pesticide was applied.

      (b) The approximate location of the land or property on which the pesticide was applied.

      (c) The date and approximate time of application.

      (d) The person who supplied the pesticides.

      (e) The trade name and the strength of such pesticides.

      (f) The amount or concentration (pounds or gallons per acre of active ingredient or concentration per approximately 100 gallons).

      (g) The specific property, crop or crops to which the pesticide was applied.

      (h) The summary information of equipment, device or apparatus used and, if applied by aircraft, the Federal Aviation Administration number.

      (i) The names of the pesticide applicator or pesticide trainees who did the actual application or spraying.

      (2) The records, which shall be kept for a period of at least three years from the date of application of pesticides, shall be available during business hours for review and inspection by the department.

      (3) Upon receiving a request from any owner of field crops on which pesticides were applied, the pesticide operator within 40 days after making such application shall give or forward to the owner a written statement setting forth the information described in subsection (1)(a), (b), (c), (e), (f) and (g) of this section. [1973 c.341 §21; 2001 c.104 §248]

 

      634.148 Retesting following violation. If an individual holding a license, certificate or other authorization issued under this chapter commits or has responsibility for a violation of this chapter related to the spraying or other application of a pesticide, or for a violation of a State Department of Agriculture rule related to those applications, and the department in its discretion deems that the violation indicates an inadequate knowledge of the laws and rules applicable to pesticides, in addition to any other available penalty or sanction:

      (1) The department may require that the individual retake any examination required for issuance of a license, certificate or other authorization that the individual holds or is required to hold for activities related to pesticides; and

      (2) If the individual fails an examination required by the department under subsection (1) of this section, the department may suspend, revoke or refuse to renew the license, certificate or other authorization of the individual. A suspension, revocation or refusal to renew under this subsection is subject to ORS chapter 183. [2015 c.833 §19]

 

LIABILITY CLAIMS PROCEDURE

 

      634.172 Procedure for making liability claim against landowner or pesticide operator; investigation of report of loss; claim procedure not waiver of governmental immunity. (1) No action against a landowner, person for whom the pesticide was applied or pesticide operator arising out of the use or application of any pesticide shall be commenced unless, within 60 days from the occurrence of the loss, within 60 days from the date the loss is discovered, or, if the loss is alleged to have occurred out of damage to growing crops, before the time when 50 percent of the crop is harvested, the person commencing the action:

      (a) Files a report of the alleged loss with the State Department of Agriculture;

      (b) Mails or personally delivers to the landowner or pesticide operator who is allegedly responsible for the loss a true copy of the report provided for under paragraph (a) of this subsection; and

      (c) Mails or personally delivers to the person for whom the pesticide was applied a true copy of the report required under paragraph (a) of this subsection if that person is not the person commencing the action.

      (2) Any person who claims to have sustained any loss arising out of the use or application of any pesticide by any state agency, county or municipality may file a report of loss with the department, and mail or personally deliver a true copy of such report of loss to the state agency, county or municipality allegedly responsible, within the time provided in subsection (1) of this section.

      (3) Upon receiving a report of loss as provided by this section:

      (a) The department may investigate, examine and determine the extent and nature of the damage alleged to have been caused to property or crops. The department shall not determine the source of the damage, the person who may have caused the damage or the financial extent of the loss or damage. The department shall prepare and file in its office a report of the investigation, examination and determination. Copies of the report made by the department may be given upon request to persons who are financially interested in the matter.

      (b) The department at the request of, and without cost to, any persons financially interested in the matter may undertake to mediate an equitable settlement of the controversy.

      (4) Upon receiving a request from any person, other than a person who may file a report of loss as provided by subsection (1) or (2) of this section, the department may investigate, examine and determine the extent and nature of damage alleged to have been caused to property or crops arising out of the use or application of any pesticide by any other person, provided that the person making such request reimburses the department for its work. The department shall not determine the source of the damage, the person who may have caused the damage or the financial extent of the loss or damage. The department shall prepare and file in its office a report of the investigation, examination and determination. Copies of the report made by the department may be given upon request to persons who are financially interested in the matter.

      (5) Nothing in this section shall be construed as a waiver by the State of Oregon or any state agency, county or municipality of any immunity against suit that otherwise may exist.

      (6) Notwithstanding ORS 634.006, as used in this section, “landowner” includes any person shown by records of the county to be the owner of land or having such land under contract for purchase. [1973 c.341 §23; 1991 c.351 §1; 1995 c.96 §2; 2015 c.833 §13]

 

PROTECTED AND RESTRICTED AREAS

 

      634.206 Continuation of protected and restricted areas created by former law. There hereby is created a protected area or restricted area territorially identical respectively with each protected area or restricted area existing as of October 5, 1973, or a restricted area established pursuant to ORS 573.537 and in effect June 1, 1973, if such existing protected area or restricted area was established or succeeded pursuant to the provisions of ORS chapter 573. Each protected area or restricted area hereby created shall bear the name of the formerly designated protected area or restricted area with which it is territorially identical. It shall succeed to the duties, obligations, property, rights and privileges of such formerly designated protected area or restricted area and shall function as authorized by the provisions of this chapter. [1973 c.341 §24]

 

      634.210 [Amended by 1953 c.685 §12; repealed by 1961 c.294 §1 (634.211 enacted in lieu of 634.210)]

 

      634.211 [1961 c.294 §2 (enacted in lieu of 634.210); subsection (2) enacted as 1965 c.22 §2(1); paragraph (b) of subsection (11) derived from 1965 c.22 §2(2); 1969 c.268 §4; repealed by 1973 c.341 §37]

 

      634.212 Formation of protected areas; petition; filing fee; guidelines for determinations by director. (1) Upon receiving a petition of any 25 or more landowners, representing at least 70 percent of the acres of land, situated within the territory proposed to be a protected area, the State Department of Agriculture may establish a protected area, in accordance with the provisions of ORS 561.510 to 561.590 governing the procedures for the declaration of quarantines.

      (2) The petition, referred to in subsection (1) of this section, shall include the following:

      (a) The proposed name of the protected area.

      (b) The description, including proposed boundaries, of the territory proposed to be a protected area.

      (c) A concise statement of the need for the establishment of the protected area proposed.

      (d) A concise statement of the pesticides and the times, methods or rates of pesticide applications to be restricted or prohibited and the extent such are to be restricted or prohibited.

      (e) A request that a public hearing be held by the department.

      (f) The name of the person authorized to act as attorney in fact for the petitioners in all matters relating to the establishment of a proposed protected area.

      (g) A concise statement of any desired limitations of the powers and duties of the governing body of the proposed protected area.

      (3) If more than one petition, referred to in subsection (1) of this section, is received by the department describing parts of the same territory, the department may consolidate all or any of such petitions.

      (4) Each petition, described in subsection (1) of this section, shall be accompanied by a filing fee of $125. Upon receipt of such petition and payment of such fee, the department shall prepare and submit to the petitioners an estimated budget of the costs of establishing such proposed protected area, including cost of preparation of the estimated budget, of the hearing and of the preparation of required documents. Within 15 days of the receipt of the estimated budget, the petitioners shall remit to the department the difference between the filing fee and total estimated budget. If the petitioners fail to remit such difference, the department shall retain the filing fee and terminate the procedure for establishment of a proposed protected area. If, upon completion of the procedure for establishment of a proposed protected area, there remains an unexpended and unencumbered balance of funds received by the department under this section, such balance shall be refunded to the petitioners through their designated attorney in fact.

      (5) When determining whether to amend or revoke a rule or order declaring a protected area, the Director of Agriculture shall consider, among other factors, the following:

      (a) The agricultural and horticultural crops, wildlife or forest industries to be affected and their locations.

      (b) The topography and climate, including temperature, humidity and prevailing winds, of the territory in which the proposed protected area is situated.

      (c) The characteristics and properties of pesticides used or applied and proposed to be restricted or prohibited. [1973 c.341 §25; 1999 c.59 §185; 2005 c.22 §446; 2007 c.71 §197; 2009 c.98 §27]

 

      634.213 [1961 c.642 §18; repealed by 1973 c.341 §37]

 

      634.215 [1953 c.685 §12; 1961 c.294 §3; repealed by 1973 c.341 §37]

 

      634.216 Protected area as governmental subdivision upon completion of required filings. If the Director of Agriculture declares a protected area under ORS 634.212, the copy of the rule or order that the director files with the Secretary of State must be accompanied by a map of a scale of at least one inch per mile. The Secretary of State shall maintain a copy of the rule or order, and of the map, as a public record in the office of the Secretary of State. Upon such required filings, the protected area shall be deemed to be a governmental subdivision of the state and a public body corporate. [1973 c.341 §26; 2009 c.98 §28]

 

      634.217 [1953 c.685 §12; 1961 c.294 §4; repealed by 1973 c.341 §37]

 

      634.220 [1953 c.685 §12; 1961 c.294 §5; repealed by 1973 c.341 §37]

 

      634.222 Determination of lawful establishment of protected area in actions or proceedings; certified copy of filed order as evidence. In any suit, action or proceeding involving the validity or enforcement of any proceeding or action of a protected area, the protected area shall be deemed to have been established in accordance with the provisions of this chapter upon proof of the filing of an order as required by ORS 634.216. A copy of such order, certified as filed by the Secretary of State, shall be admissible evidence in any such suit, action or proceeding and shall be proof of the filing and contents thereof. [1973 c.341 §31]

 

      634.225 [1953 c.685 §12; 1961 c.294 §6; repealed by 1973 c.341 §37]

 

      634.226 Protected area governing committee; member election and terms; committee officers; duties and powers; rulemaking authority. (1) A protected area, established pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, shall be governed and administered by an area committee consisting of five members. The term of office of each member, except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this subsection, shall be three years. Such area committee shall be established in accordance with the following:

      (a) Within 30 days after the establishment of a protected area, as provided in ORS 634.216, the State Department of Agriculture shall give notice that petitions to nominate candidates for three positions on such committee shall be accepted by the department. Such notice shall be given by publication at least once in a newspaper of general circulation in the protected area and by delivery of a copy of the notice to the county clerk of the county in which the protected area is situated, who thereafter shall post the same in a conspicuous public place. Such notice shall contain:

      (A) The address of the department;

      (B) The time within which the petition to nominate is to be filed;

      (C) The fact that 25 or more electors, or two-thirds of the electors then registered, if there are less than 25, residing within the protected area must subscribe such petition;

      (D) The fact that such electors may subscribe the nominating petition of more than one candidate for a position on said committee; and

      (E) The fact that a candidate must reside within the protected area.

      (b) Upon receipt of any nominating petitions described in subsection (1)(a) of this section, the department shall prepare ballots containing the names of the candidates, in alphabetical order of surnames, and a space for at least one write-in candidate. If no nominating petitions are received by the department, this fact shall be stated upon the ballot and at least three spaces provided thereon for write-in candidates. Such ballots shall also state the time within which the ballots are to be returned to the department and the address of the department. All electors within the boundaries of the territory as determined by the department are eligible to vote in the referendum. The department shall determine the results of such election and shall file with the Secretary of State a declaration of the results of such election, which declaration shall be maintained as a public record in the office of the Secretary of State. The three candidates receiving the largest number of the votes cast in such election shall be the three elected members of the area commission, whose terms of office, to be determined by lot, shall be one, two and three years respectively.

      (c) Upon determining the results of the election provided in paragraph (b) of this subsection, the department shall appoint two members to the area committee, which appointments shall be subject to the approval of the majority of the three elected members of said committee. Such appointed members shall be residents of the protected area and have knowledge of pesticides, pesticide application and existing conditions, affecting pesticide application. The terms of office, to be determined by lot, shall be one and two years respectively, and the department shall thereafter appoint the successors in office of such members, as well as those of elected members whose office is vacated prior to the expiration of a term.

      (2)(a) Upon the establishment of the area committee, the members thereof shall designate a chairperson, secretary and treasurer, which designations may, from time to time, be changed. A majority of the area committee shall constitute a quorum and an act by a majority of such quorum shall constitute an official act of the area committee.

      (b) The area committee shall:

      (A) Provide for surety bonds for all persons entrusted with funds or property of the protected area;

      (B) Prepare and maintain accurate and complete records of all activities, meetings, orders and regulations of the protected area;

      (C) Employ, as deemed necessary, persons to assist the area committee in its administration and enforcement activities, including issuance of permits to applicators;

      (D) Not engage in the business of buying or selling pesticides;

      (E) Promulgate, in consultation with the department, regulations as provided in subsection (4) of this section;

      (F) Carry out the procedures for the establishment of a restricted area as provided in ORS 634.232;

      (G) Prepare and make public at annual meetings to be called by the area committee chairperson, annual reports and audits; and

      (H) Be authorized to receive funds from any source and use the same to carry out and enforce ORS 634.212 to 634.242.

      (3) Each year after the establishment of a protected area and at least 15 days prior to the annual meeting called pursuant to subsection (2)(b)(G) of this section, the area committee shall notify the department of the annual meeting time. Upon receipt of such notice, the department shall initiate and carry out the procedures for election of members to vacancies on the area committee and shall follow the procedures for elections provided in subsection (1) of this section. The candidates shall be elected and take office as provided in subsection (1) of this section.

      (4)(a) In accordance with the provisions of ORS chapter 183, the area committee shall promulgate regulations governing or prohibiting the application of pesticides within the protected area, by aircraft or otherwise, which relate to the time, place, method of pesticide application and other matters necessary to prevent damage or injury to susceptible crops, insects, wildlife or forests.

      (b) In promulgating such regulation, the area committee shall consider, among other things, the:

      (A) Topography and climate, including temperature, humidity and prevailing winds;

      (B) Characteristics and properties of pesticides used or applied; and

      (C) Location of susceptible crops, insects, wildlife or forests.

      (c) Any interested person may petition to enlarge or restrict the regulation of pesticide application by filing a petition to amend the regulations of the protected area with the area committee which, in consultation with the department and in accordance with the provisions of ORS chapter 183, shall allow or deny such petition and amend the regulations of the protected area accordingly. [1973 c.341 §27; 1997 c.249 §194]

 

      634.230 [Amended by 1953 c.685 §12; 1961 c.294 §7; 1965 c.22 §4; repealed by 1973 c.341 §37]

 

      634.232 Restricted area formation; matters to be considered; additional area committee member. (1) At any time after the establishment of a protected area, the State Department of Agriculture at the request of the area committee of such protected area, may establish a restricted area in accordance with the provisions of ORS 561.510 to 561.590 governing the procedures for the declaration of quarantines.

      (2) The request, referred to in subsection (1) of this section, shall include the following:

      (a) The description, including proposed boundaries, of the territory proposed to be a restricted area.

      (b) A concise statement of the need for the establishment of the restricted area proposed.

      (c) A concise statement of the pesticides and the times, methods or rates of pesticide application to be restricted.

      (3)(a) In considering the establishment of a restricted area wherein herbicides are to be restricted, the outer boundaries of such proposed restricted area shall not be in excess of 10 airline miles beyond the outer boundary of the protected area, and if a restricted area wherein all other pesticides are to be restricted shall not be in excess of one airline mile beyond the outer boundary of the protected area.

      (b) In considering the establishment of a restricted area, the factors set forth in ORS 634.212 (5) shall be considered.

      (c) ORS 634.216 shall apply to the establishment of a restricted area, except that such restricted area shall be governed and administered by the area committee of the protected area, which committee shall have the same powers and duties set forth in ORS 634.226 (2)(b), and except such restricted area shall not be deemed to be a governmental subdivision of this state as a public body corporate.

      (d) In the event that a restricted area is established pursuant to subsection (1) of this section, the area committee shall be expanded to include one additional member who resides in the restricted area, but outside of the protected area. The additional member shall be elected in accordance with ORS 634.226. [1973 c.341 §28; 2009 c.98 §29]

 

      634.233 [1961 c.294 §9; 1969 c.268 §5; repealed by 1973 c.341 §37]

 

      634.234 [1969 c.268 §3; repealed by 1973 c.341 §37]

 

      634.235 [1953 c.685 §12; 1961 c.294 §10; 1969 c.268 §6; 1971 c.620 §1; repealed by 1973 c.341 §37]

 

      634.236 Increasing or decreasing size of protected area; consolidation of areas. (1) Upon receiving a petition of any 25 or more landowners, representing at least 70 percent of the acres of land, situated within a protected area, the State Department of Agriculture may include additional adjacent territory in a protected area or withdraw territory from a protected area. The procedures to be followed by the department in considering such petition shall be those set forth in ORS 561.510 to 561.590 governing the procedures for the declaration of quarantines.

      (2)(a) Upon receiving a petition of any 25 or more landowners, representing at least 70 percent of the acres of land, situated within two or more adjacent protected areas, the department may consolidate such adjacent protected areas. The procedures shall be the same as described in subsection (1) of this section.

      (b) In the event of consolidation of protected areas, the corporate existence and terms of office of the area committee members of the preexisting protected areas shall terminate upon the filing of the order described in ORS 634.216. ORS 634.216 applies to the newly consolidated protected area, and all rights, powers, assets and duties of the several preexisting protected areas shall be vested in, and assumed by the newly consolidated protected area.

      (c) The establishment, organization, duties and authority of the area committee of the consolidated protected area shall be in accordance with ORS 634.226. [1973 c.341 §29; 2009 c.98 §30]

 

      634.240 [Amended by 1953 c.685 §12; 1961 c.294 §11; 1969 c.131 §4; repealed by 1973 c.341 §37]

 

      634.242 Taxing power of area committee; limitation on amount of levy. (1) The area committee of a protected area may levy and cause to be collected an ad valorem tax for the purpose of paying the obligations of the protected area incurred in the administration of its responsibilities under this chapter.

      (2) The levy in any one year shall not exceed one-fortieth of one percent (0.00025) of the real market value of all taxable property within the protected area, computed in accordance with ORS 308.207. The taxes shall be levied and collected at the time and in the manner provided for the levy and collection of state and county taxes, and shall be paid by the county officers collecting the same to the treasurer of the protected area. [1973 c.341 §30; 1991 c.459 §438]

 

      634.245 [1953 c.685 §12; repealed by 1969 c.268 §16]

 

      634.250 [Amended by 1953 c.685 §12; 1961 c.294 §12; 1969 c.268 §7; 1971 c.699 §19; repealed by 1973 c.341 §37]

 

      634.260 [Repealed by 1973 c.341 §37]

 

      634.270 [Repealed by 1973 c.341 §37]

 

      634.280 [1965 c.22 §3; repealed by 1973 c.341 §37]

 

      634.300 [1969 c.268 §8; repealed by 1973 c.341 §37]

 

ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT

 

      634.306 General duties and powers of department; rules. In accordance with the provisions of ORS chapter 183, the State Department of Agriculture may adopt rules to carry out the purposes and intent of this chapter, including but not limited to rules that:

      (1) Establish and maintain a program required for an individual to work or engage in the application or other use of pesticides as a pesticide trainee or noncommercial pesticide trainee. In this regard, the department may take into consideration:

      (a) Requirements for submission of applications by pesticide trainees or noncommercial pesticide trainees.

      (b) Minimum and maximum periods of work or experience required for pesticide trainees or noncommercial pesticide trainees.

      (c) Work performance records or reports to be maintained by pesticide trainees, noncommercial pesticide trainees or their employers.

      (d) Acceptance of educational qualifications, applicable work or experience in similar or other fields in lieu of, or as a part of, periods of employment or work by pesticide trainees or noncommercial pesticide trainees.

      (e) Forms and types of pesticide trainee certificates or noncommercial pesticide trainee certificates to be issued by the department, authorizing trainees to apply pesticides in all or part of the classes of operations or businesses set forth in subsection (2) of this section.

      (f) Laws and requirements relating to other professional, trade or industry trainee or apprenticeship programs in this or other states.

      (g) Special requirements if the pesticide trainee or noncommercial pesticide trainee is to assist a pesticide applicator or noncommercial pesticide applicator in the spraying or other application of pesticides by aircraft, and the advisability of allowing participation in federal flight training programs to be substituted, all or in part, for training requirements under this chapter.

      (2) Establish and maintain classifications of the various pesticides and of the various pest control or pesticide application businesses in order to facilitate the licensing or certification and regulation of pesticide consultants, operators, applicators, noncommercial applicators, private applicators and trainees. In this regard the department may take into consideration:

      (a) Various types, formulations and characteristics of pesticides used and their purposes.

      (b) Various methods of application of the pesticides.

      (c) Precautions required for safe and effective application of the pesticides.

      (3) Designate pesticides authorized to be used or applied, or prohibited from use or application, by persons in order to qualify for an exemption under ORS 634.106.

      (4) Establish and maintain classifications of pesticides and devices that are deemed to be highly toxic or restricted-use pesticides or devices. In this regard, the department shall take into consideration:

      (a) Laws and regulations of the federal government, including the provisions of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, 7 U.S.C. 136 et seq., as amended, and the Federal Environmental Pesticide Control Act of 1972, 86 Stat. 973.

      (b) Laws and regulations of other states.

      (c) Advice and counsel of experts in pesticides from industry, universities and colleges and other governmental agencies or bodies.

      (5) Establish and maintain types of pesticide consultant, applicator or noncommercial applicator examinations and reexaminations, schedules for required reexaminations and other measures deemed necessary for fair and reasonable testing of applicants as provided in ORS 634.122 (5) and 634.124 (5).

      (6) Designate the conditions under which pesticide operators that are or that employ pesticide applicators to spray or otherwise apply pesticides by aircraft may reduce, suspend or terminate the liability insurance required by ORS 634.116, and the periods of time for a reduction, suspension or termination. In this regard, the department may take into consideration:

      (a) Changes in climate or seasons.

      (b) Periods when certain crops are or have been harvested.

      (c) Restricted or limited use of various types or classes of pesticides.

      (d) Possibilities of injury or death to humans and loss or damage to real or personal property.

      (7) Establish the conditions and amounts allowed for deductible classes in the liability insurance required by ORS 634.116.

      (8) Establish and maintain programs of instruction or educational courses for pesticide consultants, operators, applicators, noncommercial applicators and private applicators in cooperation with Oregon State University or others, wherein, as far as is practicable, provisions are made so as to allow the pesticide operators and applicators to participate only in the instruction or courses directly or indirectly related to their particular activities. Attendance of licensees may be required.

      (9) Prepare and distribute a manual, or other form of publication, containing information helpful and beneficial to individuals engaged in pesticide application or use or to persons preparing to qualify for licensing as a pesticide operator, consultant, applicator or noncommercial applicator and establish charges therefor.

      (10) Establish, from time to time, advisory groups or committees to assist the department in formulation of policies, plans or regulations under this chapter. Each member of any such group or committee so established shall be entitled to compensation and expenses as provided in ORS 292.495, to be charged to the department.

      (11) Establish registration fees for pesticide brands and formulae or formulations under those pesticide brands.

      (12) Establish restrictions or prohibitions as to the form of pesticides allowed to be mixed, applied or added to fertilizers, seed or grains.

      (13) Establish restrictions, methods and procedures in the storage, transportation, use or application of restricted-use pesticides or highly toxic pesticides in order to protect humans, pollinating insects, bees, animals, crops, wildlife, land or environment.

      (14) Establish and maintain a system for certification of private applicators. In this regard, the department shall take into consideration:

      (a) Laws and regulations of the federal government, including the provisions of the Federal Environmental Pesticide Control Act of 1972, 86 Stat. 973, and the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, 7 U.S.C. 136 et seq., as amended thereby, and regulations thereunder.

      (b) Minimum periods of experience required and types of experience, education or work acceptable.

      (c) Forms and types of private applicator certificates to be issued by the department, authorizing private applicators to apply pesticides in all or part of the classifications of pesticides set forth in subsection (4) of this section. [1973 c.341 §32; 1999 c.1059 §§13,17; 2015 c.833 §§7,8; 2017 c.17 §§46,47; 2019 c.13 §§56,57; 2021 c.177 §2; 2022 c.53 §8]

 

      634.310 [1969 c.268 §9; repealed by 1973 c.341 §37]

 

      634.312 Department to develop programs for solution of pesticide and synthetic chemical problems. The increasing formulation, distribution, application and use of pesticides and other synthetic chemicals have created serious problems with storage, disposition and transportation of pesticides and other synthetic chemicals which cannot or should not be distributed, applied or used. Such problems include but are not limited to the recall and storage of pesticides and other synthetic chemicals prohibited from distribution, application or use because of a violation of or noncompliance with a law or regulation. The State Department of Agriculture shall review scientific information relating to such problems and develop immediate and long-range programs or plans for solutions to such problems, and for these purposes seek the advice of governmental agencies or bodies. [1973 c.341 §4; 1993 c.742 §112]

 

      634.316 List of highly toxic and restricted-use pesticides. The State Department of Agriculture may establish, maintain and amend lists of pesticides and devices which are highly toxic or restricted-use pesticides or devices. [1973 c.341 §8]

 

      634.320 [1969 c.268 §10; repealed by 1973 c.341 §37]

 

      634.322 Enforcement powers of department. In carrying out and enforcing the provisions of this chapter, the State Department of Agriculture is authorized:

      (1) To collect samples of pesticides from any source, for analysis to determine compliance with this chapter.

      (2) In accordance with the provisions of ORS 561.605 to 561.630, to seize or embargo any pesticide or device which is misbranded, adulterated or otherwise in violation of this chapter.

      (3) Notwithstanding the provisions of ORS 561.605 to 561.630, whenever the department has reasonable cause to believe a pesticide or device is being formulated, distributed, stored or transported in violation of any of the provisions of this chapter, to issue and serve a written “stop sale, use or removal” order to and upon the owner or person in custody of any such pesticide or device. In the event the owner or person in custody is not available for service of the order, the department may attach a copy of the order to the pesticide or device. Upon issuance of the order, the pesticide or device shall not be sold, used or removed until the provisions of this chapter have been complied with and the pesticide or device has been released, by written notice of the department, under conditions specified by the department.

      (4) In accordance with the provisions of ORS chapter 183, to revoke, suspend or refuse to issue or renew any license or certificate if it determines that an applicant, licensee or certificate holder has violated:

      (a) A provision of this chapter;

      (b) A rule adopted by the department for the administration or enforcement of this chapter;

      (c) A provision of federal law set forth in 7 U.S.C. 136 to 136y, as amended and in effect on July 1, 2019; or

      (d) A federal regulation set forth in 40 C.F.R. 152.1 to 180.2020, as amended and in effect on July 1, 2019.

      (5) In accordance with the provisions of ORS chapter 183, to amend, suspend or revoke the registration of a pesticide for violation of any of the provisions of this chapter.

      (6) To establish limitations and procedures deemed necessary and proper for the protection of persons, pollinating insects, bees, animals, crops, wildlife, land or environment, on the following:

      (a) Quantities of packages;

      (b) Quantities of sales;

      (c) Uses or applications;

      (d) Methods of sale, including prescription or permit requirements; or

      (e) Persons to whom sold.

      (7) To inspect any records required to be maintained by persons formulating, distributing, using or selling the pesticides described in ORS 634.306 (4), and to cause monitoring of the effects of such pesticides on human or animal life in any area where it is used or applied by a recognized and qualified person or agency.

      (8) To enter into cooperative and reciprocal agreements with the federal government, or any of its agencies, for the purpose of enforcement of the provisions of this chapter or federal laws and regulations on the same subject matters, and to receive and expend funds pursuant to such agreements in furtherance of such purpose.

      (9) To cooperate with, and request the assistance of, Oregon State University, governmental agencies or other persons for the purpose of enforcement of the provisions of this chapter.

      (10)(a) To act jointly in, and with the concurrence of the State Forester and a research specialist designated by Oregon State University, the issuance of permits for the use of isopropyl ester of 2,4-D or any other ester of equal or higher volatility with regard to plant damage. Each such permit shall specify:

      (A) The particular ester allowed;

      (B) The boundaries of the area in which it may be used; and

      (C) The prescribed time limit and condition under which it may be applied.

      (b) Such permits shall only be issued when the issuing authority determines that the use of the ester will not damage agricultural and forest products and susceptible crops. In making such determination, the issuing authority shall consider research data, topography, climate, temperature, humidity, prevailing winds, characteristics of the ester and location of agricultural and forest products and susceptible crops. Such permits may be issued subject to conditions prescribed by the issuing authority. Issuance of such permit shall not be construed as a waiver of any of the provisions of this chapter. [1973 c.341 §33; 1979 c.232 §3; 2021 c.177 §3]

 

      634.326 Use of moneys received by department. (1) The State Department of Agriculture shall deposit all fees paid to it under the provisions of this chapter in the Department of Agriculture Service Fund. Such moneys are continuously appropriated to the department for the purpose of administering and enforcing the provisions of this chapter.

      (2) An amount of the fees and moneys referred to in subsection (1) of this section not to exceed 10 percent of registration fees received under ORS 634.016 may be used by the department pursuant to agreements entered into between the department and the Dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences of Oregon State University, with the advice of the Minor Crops Advisory Committee for the purposes set forth in subsection (3) of this section.

      (3) The amounts provided for in subsection (2) of this section shall be used by the Dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences of Oregon State University for research projects and investigations agreed upon by the dean and the department directed toward obtaining pesticide use registrations needed by growers to produce crops economically in Oregon.

      (4) The department shall apply $10 of each registration fee collected pursuant to ORS 634.016 to fulfill the provisions of ORS 634.045 (4). [1973 c.341 §35; 1979 c.499 §33; 1989 c.709 §4; 2015 c.744 §§5,6]

 

      634.330 [1969 c.268 §11; repealed by 1971 c.699 §22]

 

      634.340 [1969 c.268 §12; repealed by 1971 c.699 §22]

 

      634.350 [1969 c.268 §2; 1971 c.699 §18; repealed by 1973 c.341 §37]

 

      634.352 [1973 c.341 §5; 1979 c.232 §4; 1993 c.742 §111]

 

      634.356 [1973 c.341 §6; 1993 c.742 §111]

 

      634.360 [1969 c.268 §13; repealed by 1971 c.699 §22]

 

PROHIBITIONS

 

      634.372 Prohibited acts. A person may not:

      (1) Make false or misleading claims through any media, relating to the effect of pesticides or application methods to be utilized.

      (2) As a pesticide applicator, noncommercial applicator, public applicator or pesticide operator, intentionally or willfully apply or use a worthless pesticide or any pesticide inconsistent with its labeling, or as a pesticide consultant or dealer, recommend or distribute such pesticides.

      (3) Operate a faulty or unsafe pesticide spray apparatus, aircraft or other application device or equipment.

      (4) Perform pesticide application activities in a faulty, careless or negligent manner.

      (5) Refuse or neglect to prepare and maintain records required to be kept by the provisions of this chapter.

      (6) Make false, misleading or fraudulent records, reports or application forms required by the provisions of this chapter.

      (7) Operate pesticide applicators’ apparatus, machinery or equipment without a licensed pesticide applicator, licensed noncommercial pesticide applicator or certified private applicator performing the actual application, or supervising such application if such is performed by a pesticide trainee. This prohibition does not apply to the operation of tractors, trucks or other vehicular equipment used only under the supervision of a certified private applicator.

      (8) As a pesticide applicator or noncommercial pesticide applicator, work or engage in the application of any classes of pesticides without first obtaining and maintaining a pesticide applicator license or noncommercial applicator license, or apply pesticides that are not specifically authorized by such license.

      (9) As a pesticide operator, engage in the business of, or represent or advertise as being in the business of, applying pesticides upon the land or property of another, without first obtaining and maintaining a pesticide operator’s license. The operator also may not engage in a class of pesticide application business that is not specifically authorized by license issued by the State Department of Agriculture. The operator also may not employ or use any person to apply or spray pesticides who is not a licensed pesticide applicator or pesticide trainee.

      (10) As a pesticide trainee, noncommercial pesticide trainee or public trainee, work or engage in the application of any class of pesticides without first obtaining and maintaining a pesticide trainee’s certificate and otherwise being in compliance with the provisions of this chapter.

      (11) Act as, or purport to be, a pesticide dealer or advertise as such without first obtaining and maintaining a pesticide dealer’s license.

      (12) Act as, or purport to be, a pesticide consultant without first obtaining and maintaining a pesticide consultant’s license.

      (13) Apply any pesticide classified as a restricted-use or highly toxic pesticide to agricultural, horticultural or forest crops on land owned or leased by the person without first obtaining and maintaining a private applicator certificate.

      (14) As a person described in ORS 634.106 (5), use power-driven pesticide application equipment or devices (use hand or backpack types only), or use or apply any pesticide other than those prescribed by the department.

      (15) Deliver, distribute, sell or offer for sale any pesticide that is misbranded.

      (16) Formulate, deliver, distribute, sell or offer for sale any pesticide that is adulterated.

      (17) Formulate, deliver, distribute, sell or offer for sale any pesticide that has not been registered as required by ORS 634.016.

      (18) Formulate, deliver, distribute, sell or offer for sale any powdered pesticide containing arsenic or any highly toxic fluoride that is not distinctly colored.

      (19) Distribute, sell or offer for sale any pesticide except in the manufacturer’s original unbroken package.

      (20) Make application of pesticides, by aircraft or otherwise, within a protected or restricted area without first obtaining a permit for such application from the committee of the protected or restricted area in which the application is to be made. The person also may not make such application contrary to the conditions or terms of the permit so issued.

      (21) Use isopropyl ester of 2,4-D, or any other ester of equal or higher volatility with regard to plant damage as determined by the department, without first obtaining a permit for such use as provided in ORS 634.322 (10).

      (22) Sell, use or remove any pesticide or device subjected to a “stop sale, use or removal” order until the pesticide or device has been released therefrom as provided in ORS 634.322 (3). [1973 c.341 §34; 1987 c.158 §121; 1995 c.360 §2; 1999 c.1059 §§14,18; 2001 c.307 §§3,4; 2022 c.53 §9]

 

      634.375 Sanctions for failure to pay civil penalty. The State Department of Agriculture may suspend, revoke or refuse to renew a license, certificate or other authorization issued to a person under this chapter if the person fails to pay a civil penalty under ORS 634.900 on or before 90 days after the date that the order imposing the civil penalty becomes final by operation of law or on appeal. [2015 c.833 §10]

 

THIRAM STUDY AND RESTRICTIONS

 

      634.410 Study of effects of thiram on health and safety; evaluation; report. The Workers’ Compensation Board shall cause the Occupational Health Section to conduct a study or insure that a study is conducted, of the effects on occupational health and safety of the use in reforestation activities of tree seedlings treated with the pesticide thiram or any formulation containing the chemical tetramethylthiuram disulfide. The study shall include evaluation of alternative precautionary measures that may be taken to protect the health and safety of individuals involved in reforestation activities who handle tree seedlings treated with thiram. The board shall report its findings and recommendations to the State Department of Agriculture not later than December 1, 1976. [1975 c.777 §2]

 

      634.415 Rules to insure adequate precautionary measures in use of thiram in reforestation. The Workers’ Compensation Board shall as a result of the study direct the Occupational Health Section to promulgate rules and regulations to insure that adequate precautionary measures and procedures are followed during the use of thiram in reforestation operations. [1975 c.777 §3]

 

      634.420 Limit on use of thiram; effect of study. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the State Department of Agriculture shall not register or otherwise authorize the use of the pesticide thiram as a repellent on forest tree seedlings after June 1, 1977, unless a report to the department made pursuant to ORS 634.410 to 634.425 states that thiram may be used for such purpose without creating a serious health or safety hazard to individuals involved in reforestation activities who handle tree seedlings treated with thiram and that adequate precautionary measures may be reasonably undertaken to offset any substantial hazards involved in the use of thiram. [1975 c.777 §4]

 

      634.425 Construction of ORS 634.410 to 634.425. Nothing in ORS 634.410 to 634.425 shall be construed so as to limit the authority of the State Department of Agriculture to refuse registration of the chemical thiram prior to June 1, 1977. [1975 c.777 §5]

 

TRIBUTYLTIN COMPOUNDS

 

      634.500 Definitions for ORS 634.500 to 634.520. As used in ORS 634.500 to 634.520:

      (1) “Low-leaching tributyltin antifouling paint or coating” means a tributyltin-based marine antifouling paint or coating that has a steady state release rate of not more than 5.0 micrograms per square centimeter per day as determined in accordance with a United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) testing procedure as outlined in the EPA data call-in notice of July 29, 1986, on tributyltin in antifoulant paints under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, 7 U.S.C. 136. If a lower release rate is determined by the Environmental Quality Commission to be necessary to protect health or the environment, such rate, if adopted by rule by the commission, shall be the acceptable release rate.

      (2) “Tributyltin-based marine antifouling paint or coating” means a paint, coating or treatment that contains tributyltin or a triorganotin compound used as a substitute for tributyltin and that is intended to control fouling organisms in a freshwater or marine environment.

      (3) “Waters of the state” has the meaning given that term in ORS 468B.005. [1987 c.207 §2]

 

      634.505 Prohibition against sale of compound that releases certain substances in water; exception. Except as provided in ORS 634.510 to 634.520, a person may not sell, offer to sell or use in this state tributyltin-based marine antifouling paint or coating unless a method of using such paint or coating exists that does not result in the release of tributyltin or derivative or organotin into the waters of the state. [1987 c.207 §3]

 

      634.510 Conditions for sale. A tributyltin-based marine antifouling paint or coating may be sold or used in this state if the paint or coating is:

      (1) Sold and used in accordance with ORS 634.515 and 634.520; and

      (2)(a) A low-leaching tributyltin antifouling paint or coating used on aluminum hulls;

      (b) A low-leaching tributyltin antifouling paint or coating used on a ship that is more than 25 meters in length; or

      (c)(A) In a spray can containing 16 ounces or less of paint or coating; and

      (B) Commonly referred to as an outboard or lower drive unit paint. [1987 c.207 §4]

 

      634.515 Sale by pesticide dealer; duties of customer. (1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, in addition to any other limitation on a restricted use pesticide under this chapter, on and after September 27, 1987:

      (a) A low-leaching tributyltin antifouling paint or coating may be sold in Oregon only by a pesticide dealer licensed under ORS 634.112.

      (b) A pesticide dealer licensed under ORS 634.112 may sell low-leaching tributyltin antifouling paint or coating only to a person who certifies in writing that the paint or coating is to be used for one of the uses allowed under ORS 634.510.

      (2) Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter or any rule adopted thereunder, a pesticide dealer may sell low-leaching tributyltin antifouling paint or coating to any person, whether or not the person is a licensed applicator. [1987 c.207 §5]

 

      634.520 Report of sales to department. (1) Any pesticide dealer licensed under ORS 634.112 who sells low-leaching tributyltin antifouling paint or coating shall submit a periodic report to the State Department of Agriculture.

      (2) The report required under subsection (1) of this section shall be submitted to the department on a periodic basis as established by the department. The report shall include the following information about sales of low-leaching tributyltin antifouling paint or coating:

      (a) The name of any person purchasing the paint or coating;

      (b) The amount sold to each purchaser; and

      (c) The use for which the purchaser certified the paint or coating was to be used. [1987 c.207 §6]

 

      634.525 [Formerly 488.885; repealed by 1991 c.67 §6]

 

PESTICIDE ANALYTICAL AND RESPONSE CENTER

 

      634.550 Center governing board; duties and powers. (1) There is created a Pesticide Analytical and Response Center with a governing board consisting of the following members:

      (a) The Director of Agriculture or designee.

      (b) The State Forester or designee.

      (c) The State Fish and Wildlife Director or designee.

      (d) The Director of the Department of Environmental Quality or designee.

      (e) The Director of the Oregon Health Authority or designee.

      (f) The Administrator of the Occupational Safety and Health Division or designee.

      (g) The State Fire Marshal or designee.

      (h) The Director of the Poison Control and Drug Information Program of the Oregon Health and Science University or designee.

      (i) One citizen from the state at large appointed jointly by the Director of Agriculture and the Director of the Oregon Health Authority.

      (2) The Director of Agriculture shall appoint an administrator for the Pesticide Analytical and Response Center, who shall be responsible to the board for performance of the duties of the center and the board.

      (3) The Director of Agriculture or designee and the Director of the Oregon Health Authority or designee shall alternate as chairperson of the board for terms of one year each. When one is serving as chairperson, the other shall serve as vice chairperson.

      (4) The board shall seek expert consultation from the extension service toxicology program, the Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences and such other sources as may be needed.

      (5) The functions of the board are to:

      (a) Direct the activities and priorities of the administrator of the center.

      (b) Centralize receiving of information relating to actual or alleged health and environmental incidents involving pesticides.

      (c) Mobilize expertise necessary for timely and accurate investigation of pesticide incidents and analyses of associated samples.

      (d) Identify trends and patterns of problems related to pesticide use.

      (e) Make recommendations for action to a state agency when a majority of the board considers that such action may be warranted on the basis of the findings of an incident investigation or on the basis of identification of a trend or pattern of problems. Recommended actions may include, but not be limited to, regulatory action, modification of administrative rules, proposal of new legislation, public education and consultation to industry.

      (f) Develop standard operating procedures for implementation by the public entities represented on the board to coordinate the receipt of, and response to, pesticide-related complaints indicating possible health or environmental effects.

      (g) Report biennially to the Legislative Assembly, or to an interim committee dealing with natural resource issues, regarding activities during the reporting period by the board and by public entities represented on the board regarding the development, implementation, amendment or operation of standard operating procedures described in paragraph (f) of this subsection.

      (h) Report in a standardized format the results of the investigations of pesticide incidents.

      (i) Establish by consensus, procedures for carrying out its responsibilities within the limits of available resources.

      (j) Prepare and submit to each odd-numbered year regular session of the Legislative Assembly a report of the activities of the center that includes a record of recommendations made by the board and the actions resulting from the board’s work.

      (6) Upon receipt of a recommendation from the board, a state agency shall respond in a timely manner to inform the board of actions taken or the reasons for taking no action on the recommendation.

      (7) Any medical information received by a member of the board or by a staff member of the center in the course of carrying out the duties of the center or the board shall be held confidential as provided in ORS 192.553 to 192.581 and 433.008.

      (8) The functions of the board do not supersede the regulatory authority of any agency and are not in lieu of the regulatory authority of any agency. [1991 c.729 §2; 2001 c.2 §1; 2003 c.86 §14; 2009 c.595 §1040; 2011 c.545 §64; 2013 c.111 §3; 2015 c.833 §14]

 

      634.555 Pesticide incident telephone line. (1) The State Department of Agriculture, in consultation with the Pesticide Analytical and Response Center, shall establish a pesticide incident telephone line for receiving, and facilitating the coordination of public entities’ responses to, pesticide-related complaints by the public indicating possible health or environmental effects.

      (2) The center shall develop and maintain standard operating procedures for use with the telephone line. The department, in consultation with the center and other affected public entities, shall periodically update the telephone line operating procedures to comply with any new standard operating procedures developed by the center. [2015 c.833 §15]

 

      634.557 Biennial reporting of telephone line operations. The State Department of Agriculture shall report biennially to the Legislative Assembly regarding the operation of the pesticide incident telephone line required under ORS 634.555. The report may include, but need not be limited to, any recommendations of the department or the Pesticide Analytical and Response Center for legislation regarding the telephone line. [2015 c.833 §16]

 

MINOR CROPS ADVISORY COMMITTEE

 

      634.600 Committee members; appointment; compensation and expenses; duties. (1) There is created the Minor Crops Advisory Committee in the State Department of Agriculture consisting of six members appointed by the Director of Agriculture and the coordinator of the Interregional Project Number 4 program at Oregon State University who shall be a permanent member.

      (2) The director, as far as practicable, shall make appointments to the advisory committee so that the committee is representative of all segments of agriculture.

      (3) Each appointed member shall serve a term of three years beginning July 1 of the year of appointment. A member shall continue to serve until a successor is appointed. Vacancies in office shall be filled by appointment for the unexpired term.

      (4) The committee shall meet at the call of the chairperson or the Director of Agriculture. A majority of the members present at any meeting shall constitute a quorum, and a majority vote of the quorum at any meeting shall constitute an official act of the committee.

      (5) At the first meeting after July 1 of each year, the committee shall select a chairperson. The Dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences of Oregon State University and the Director of Agriculture, or their representatives, shall be ex officio members without the right to vote.

      (6) Members of the committee shall be eligible for compensation and expenses as provided in ORS 292.495.

      (7) The committee shall:

      (a) Advise the department in the administration of ORS 634.016 to 634.042 as relates to minor crop use registrations;

      (b) Cooperate with the United States Department of Agriculture’s Interregional Project Number 4 and the United States Environmental Protection Agency in obtaining federal registrations of pesticides for minor crop uses; and

      (c) Maintain close contact between the department and agricultural producers regarding the need for research to support registration of pesticides for minor crops. [1989 c.709 §2]

 

INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT

 

(State Agencies and Public Universities)

 

      634.650 Definitions for ORS 634.650 to 634.665. As used in ORS 634.650 to 634.665:

      (1) “Integrated pest management” means a science-based decision-making process that:

      (a) Identifies and reduces risks from pests and from pest management-related strategies;

      (b) Coordinates the use of pest biology, environmental information and comprehensive technology to prevent unacceptable levels of pest damage by economical means and poses the least possible risk to people, property, resources and the environment; and

      (c) Uses a pest management approach that focuses on the prevention of pests through a combination of techniques that may include, but need not be limited to:

      (A) Surveillance and monitoring;

      (B) Early detection and rapid response;

      (C) Mechanical control;

      (D) The selective use of pesticides;

      (E) Cultural practices;

      (F) Modified land management;

      (G) Biological controls;

      (H) Evaluation of the effects and efficacy of pest treatments; and

      (I) Control practices selected and applied to achieve desired pest management objectives in a manner that minimizes risks to human health, nontarget organisms, native fish and wildlife habitat, watersheds and the environment.

      (2) “Pest” means any vertebrate or invertebrate animal, pathogen, parasitic plant, weed or similar or allied organism which can cause disease or damage to crops, trees, shrubs, grasses or other plants, humans, animals or property. [1991 c.943 §1; 2013 c.289 §4]

 

      Note: 634.650 to 634.665 were enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but were not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 634 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      634.653 Appointment of State Integrated Pest Management Coordinator. The Dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences of Oregon State University shall appoint a faculty member of the college who has administrative and technical experience in integrated pest and production management matters to act as the State Integrated Pest Management Coordinator. The coordinator shall serve at the pleasure of the dean. [2013 c.289 §2]

 

      Note: See note under 634.650.

 

      634.655 Policy. The Legislative Assembly declares that it is the policy of the State of Oregon to require all state agencies that have pest control responsibilities to follow the principles of integrated pest management. [1991 c.943 §2]

 

      Note: See note under 634.650.

 

      634.657 Integrated Pest Management Coordinating Committee; purposes; report; funding. (1) There is established an Integrated Pest Management Coordinating Committee, consisting of:

      (a) The State Integrated Pest Management Coordinator;

      (b) The integrated pest management coordinator for each state agency listed in ORS 634.660;

      (c) A representative of public universities listed in ORS 352.002, appointed by the Higher Education Coordinating Commission; and

      (d) The integrated pest management coordinator for each public university listed in ORS 352.002.

      (2) The State Integrated Pest Management Coordinator shall chair the committee. The committee may elect a vice chair. The committee may assign duties to the chair and vice chair and provide them with the powers necessary to perform those duties.

      (3) A majority of the committee members is a quorum for the purpose of conducting business. Action by the committee requires approval by a majority of the committee members.

      (4) The committee shall meet three times per year at the call of the chair for the purposes of:

      (a) Sharing information concerning the latest methods and approaches to integrated pest management used to reduce the risks posed by pests and concerning strategies related to pest management;

      (b) Sharing information concerning program successes and knowledge gained in the implementation of integrated pest management programs;

      (c) Developing an adaptive management approach to the improvement of integrated pest management by state agencies and public universities;

      (d) Identifying issues regarding risk reduction and evolving innovative approaches to addressing the issues;

      (e) Reporting on, and developing a set of performance metrics to adequately describe, state agency and public university progress in implementing integrated pest management;

      (f) Sharing information concerning the integrated pest management programs of each state agency or public university in order to foster information exchange concerning the latest technological advances and protocols and to promote a consistent format for the programs;

      (g) Achieving reductions in risks from pests and from strategies relating to pest management; and

      (h) Evaluating the need for notification of pesticide use and the policies for notification as part of state agency and public university integrated pest management programs.

      (5) In addition to the meetings required under subsection (4) of this section, the committee may convene as the committee deems appropriate for the purpose of coordinating state integrated pest management efforts with the work of the Invasive Species Council. The committee and the council shall jointly address the technical and management approach challenges shared by programs to reduce risks from pests and reduce threats from invasive species.

      (6) The committee may identify threats of common interest to the committee and the council, determine the resources needed for addressing the threats and provide the information to state agencies and public universities.

      (7) The committee shall prepare a biennial report to an interim committee of the Legislative Assembly relating to pest management matters. The report shall describe the status of state agency and public university integrated pest management programs. The committee shall biennially provide an opportunity for public comment and input for the report. The report on the state agency and public university integrated pest management programs shall include, but need not be limited to:

      (a) A description of the meetings, if any, between the State Integrated Pest Management Coordinator and state agencies or public universities;

      (b) A description of the meetings of the committee;

      (c) A description of advances, innovations and training activities in methodologies for reducing risks from pests;

      (d) A description of key problem matters, the approaches taken to address the matters and concerns remaining outstanding;

      (e) Performance metric results for the implementation of integrated pest management, including but not limited to state agency and public university progress toward the goal of protecting the economy, ecosystems and water quality of this state and protecting the health and welfare of children, the elderly and other members of the public;

      (f) The integrated pest management program status of each state agency and public university that uses state-owned or leased property;

      (g) Examples of cost-savings and expenditures resulting from integrated pest management program implementation; and

      (h) Any recommendations for integrated pest management program improvements, including but not limited to any proposals for revising the definition of “integrated pest management.”

      (8)(a) The committee may seek funding from public or private sources to enable the committee to develop pest risk and integrated pest management metrics or to develop new technologies, strategies and approaches for addressing specific pest threats. Unless restricted by the donor, the committee may use moneys donated under this subsection for any purpose described in this subsection.

      (b) The State Department of Agriculture may accept funds donated under this subsection on behalf of the committee. The moneys shall be credited to a subaccount within the Department of Agriculture Service Fund and, notwithstanding ORS 561.144 and 634.326, shall be dedicated for funding activities of the committee. The Director of Agriculture shall draw warrants for the issuance of payments from the account as authorized by vote of a majority of the committee. [2013 c.289 §3; 2015 c.767 §206]

 

      Note: See note under 634.650.

 

      634.660 Agencies and universities required to implement integrated pest management. Each of the following state agencies or public universities shall implement integrated pest management practices when carrying out duties of the agency or public university related to pest control:

      (1) State Department of Agriculture.

      (2) State Department of Fish and Wildlife.

      (3) Department of Transportation.

      (4) State Parks and Recreation Department.

      (5) State Forestry Department.

      (6) Department of Corrections.

      (7) Oregon Department of Administrative Services.

      (8) Department of State Lands.

      (9) Department of Environmental Quality.

      (10) Oregon Health Authority.

      (11) Each public university listed in ORS 352.002, for the public university’s own building and grounds maintenance. [1991 c.943 §3; 2003 c.14 §391; 2011 c.637 §277; 2013 c.289 §5]

 

      Note: See note under 634.650.

 

      634.665 Agencies and universities to provide personnel training; appointment of coordinators; duties. (1) Each state agency or public university listed or referred to under ORS 634.660 shall provide integrated pest management training for employees responsible for pest management.

      (2) Each state agency or public university listed or referred to under ORS 634.660 shall designate an integrated pest management coordinator. The integrated pest management coordinator:

      (a) Must be a state or public university employee;

      (b) Shall manage the integrated pest management program of the agency or public university; and

      (c) May serve more than one state agency or public university. [1991 c.943 §4; 2001 c.413 §11; 2013 c.289 §6]

 

      Note: See note under 634.650.

 

      634.670 [1991 c.943 §5; repealed by 2001 c.413 §12]

 

(Schools)

 

      634.700 Definitions for ORS 634.700 to 634.750. As used in ORS 634.700 to 634.750:

      (1) “Campus” means the buildings, other structures, playgrounds, athletic fields and parking lots of a school and any other areas on the school property that are accessed by students on a regular basis.

      (2) “Governing body” means a board of directors, agency or other body or person having policymaking and general oversight responsibility for a community college district, education service district, school district, other unit of education governance, private school or other educational entity.

      (3) “Integrated pest management plan” means a proactive strategy that:

      (a) Focuses on the long-term prevention or suppression of pest problems through economically sound measures that:

      (A) Protect the health and safety of students, staff and faculty;

      (B) Protect the integrity of campus buildings and grounds;

      (C) Maintain a productive learning environment; and

      (D) Protect local ecosystem health;

      (b) Focuses on the prevention of pest problems by working to reduce or eliminate conditions of property construction, operation and maintenance that promote or allow for the establishment, feeding, breeding and proliferation of pest populations or other conditions that are conducive to pests or that create harborage for pests;

      (c) Incorporates the use of sanitation, structural remediation or habitat manipulation or of mechanical, biological and chemical pest control measures that present a reduced risk or have a low impact and, for the purpose of mitigating a declared pest emergency, the application of pesticides that are not low-impact pesticides;

      (d) Includes regular monitoring and inspections to detect pests, pest damage and unsanctioned pesticide usage;

      (e) Evaluates the need for pest control by identifying acceptable pest population density levels;

      (f) Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of pest control measures;

      (g) Excludes the application of pesticides on a routine schedule for purely preventive purposes, other than applications of pesticides designed to attract or be consumed by pests;

      (h) Excludes the application of pesticides for purely aesthetic purposes;

      (i) Includes school staff education about sanitation, monitoring and inspection and about pest control measures;

      (j) Gives preference to the use of nonchemical pest control measures;

      (k) Allows the use of low-impact pesticides if nonchemical pest control measures are ineffective; and

      (L) Allows the application of a pesticide that is not a low-impact pesticide only to mitigate a declared pest emergency or if the application is by, or at the direction or order of, a public health official.

      (4) “Low-impact pesticide” means a product that does not contain a pesticide product or active ingredient described in ORS 634.705 (5).

      (5) “Pest” means:

      (a) An insect or other arthropod;

      (b) A weed, moss, slime or mildew or a plant disease caused by a fungus, bacterium or virus;

      (c) A nematode, snail, slug, rodent or predatory animal;

      (d) A bacterium, spore, virus, fungus or other microorganism that is harmful to human health; or

      (e) Other forms of plant or animal life that may infest or be detrimental to vegetation, humans, animals, structures, managed landscapes or other human environments.

      (6) “Pest emergency” means an urgent need to eliminate or mitigate a pest situation that threatens:

      (a) The health or safety of students, staff, faculty members or members of the public using the campus; or

      (b) The structural integrity of campus facilities.

      (7) “Registration number” means the pesticide registration number assigned by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

      (8) “School” means:

      (a) A federal Head Start program or a provider under the Oregon Prenatal to Kindergarten Program;

      (b) A public or private educational institution offering education in all or part of kindergarten through grade 12;

      (c) An education service district as defined in ORS 334.003;

      (d) A community college as defined in ORS 341.005, for the community college’s own buildings and ground maintenance;

      (e) The Oregon School for the Deaf; and

      (f) A regional residential academy operated by the Oregon Youth Authority. [2009 c.501 §2; 2011 c.9 §82; 2013 c.241 §3; 2023 c.547 §28]

 

      634.705 Adoption of integrated pest management plan and related provisions; exceptions; low-impact pesticide list. (1) The governing body responsible for a school shall adopt an integrated pest management plan for use on the campuses of the school. The governing body shall also adopt provisions for:

      (a) Designating an integrated pest management plan coordinator;

      (b) Identifying plan coordinator responsibilities;

      (c) Giving notices under ORS 634.740;

      (d) Retaining pesticide application records under ORS 634.750;

      (e) Providing a process for responding to inquiries and complaints about noncompliance with the integrated pest management plan; and

      (f) Conducting outreach to the school community about the school’s integrated pest management plan.

      (2) If a governing body has control over only part of a building, a structure or property where a campus is located, the governing body may limit an integrated pest management plan to those parts of the building, structure or property over which the governing body exerts substantial control.

      (3) A governing body is not required to adopt an integrated pest management plan for off-campus buildings, structures or property, notwithstanding any incidental use for instruction.

      (4) Unless a governing body expressly provides otherwise, the application of a germicide, disinfectant, sanitizer, deodorizer, antimicrobial agent or insecticidal soap at a campus is not subject to the requirements for a pesticide application under an integrated pest management plan. However, this subsection does not permit the application at a campus of a germicide, disinfectant, sanitizer, deodorizer, antimicrobial agent or insecticidal soap that is a pesticide in a manner that is inconsistent with the goal of the integrated pest management plan.

      (5) A governing body shall adopt a list of low-impact pesticides for use with the integrated pest management plan. The governing body may include any product on the list except products that:

      (a) Contain a pesticide product or active ingredient that has the signal words “warning” or “danger” on the label;

      (b) Contain a pesticide product classified as a human carcinogen or probable human carcinogen under the United States Environmental Protection Agency 1986 Guidelines for Carcinogen Risk Assessment; or

      (c) Contain a pesticide product classified as carcinogenic to humans or likely to be carcinogenic to humans under the United States Environmental Protection Agency 2003 Draft Final Guidelines for Carcinogen Risk Assessment. [2009 c.501 §3]

 

      634.710 Plan selection. A governing body may adopt, improve or continue any integrated pest management plan that provides protection against pesticide exposure equal to or greater than the protection against pesticide exposure required by ORS 634.700 to 634.750. [2009 c.501 §9]

 

      634.720 Plan coordinators. (1) The governing body shall provide for the designation of one or more persons as integrated pest management plan coordinators for the governed schools. A plan coordinator must be an employee of the governed district, unit, school or entity, unless the governing body delegates pest management duties to an independent contractor. Each school shall have the services of at least one integrated pest management plan coordinator. A plan coordinator may serve more than one school. The responsibilities of the plan coordinator shall include, but need not be limited to:

      (a) Giving notice and posting warnings under ORS 634.740;

      (b) Overseeing pest prevention efforts;

      (c) Providing for the identification and evaluation of pest situations;

      (d) Determining the means of appropriately managing pest damage that will cause the least possible hazard to people, property and the environment;

      (e) Ensuring the proper and lawful performance of pesticide applications;

      (f) Evaluating pest management results; and

      (g) Keeping records as required by ORS 634.750.

      (2) A plan coordinator shall complete not less than six hours of training each year. The training shall include at least a general review of integrated pest management principles and the requirements of ORS 634.700 to 634.750. [2009 c.501 §4]

 

      634.725 Application of low-impact pesticide. If a school has followed the integrated pest management plan and nonchemical pest control measures were ineffective, subject to ORS 634.730 the integrated pest management plan coordinator may authorize the application of a low-impact pesticide. The low-impact pesticide application must be made by a pesticide applicator, a noncommercial pesticide applicator or a public applicator. The use of a pesticide applicator, noncommercial pesticide applicator or public applicator to make an application does not cancel, alter or reassign any of the duties imposed under ORS 634.740 or 634.750. [2009 c.501 §5; 2022 c.53 §10]

 

      634.728 Pesticides used at community colleges for research or instruction. ORS 634.700 to 634.750 do not limit or prohibit the use of pesticides at a community college for purposes of scientific research or academic instruction. [2013 c.241 §2]

 

      634.730 Reentry into sprayed area; exception; declaration of pest emergency. (1) Subject to subsection (2) of this section:

      (a) If the labeling of a pesticide product specifies a reentry time, a pesticide may not be applied to an area of a campus where the school expects students to be present before expiration of that reentry time.

      (b) If the labeling of a pesticide product does not specify a reentry time, a pesticide may not be applied to an area of a campus where the school expects students to be present before expiration of a reentry time that the integrated pest management plan coordinator determines to be appropriate based on the times at which students would normally be expected to be in the area, area ventilation and whether the area will be cleaned before students are present.

      (2)(a) The application restrictions described in subsection (1) of this section do not apply if the pesticide is applied outdoors by a pesticide applicator, a noncommercial pesticide applicator or a public applicator as a component of academic instruction in agriculture.

      (b) The application restrictions described in subsection (1)(b) of this section do not apply if the integrated pest management plan coordinator declares a pest emergency under subsection (3) of this section.

      (3) An integrated pest management plan coordinator, after consultation with school faculty and administration, may declare the existence of a pest emergency. If necessary, a pesticide other than a low-impact pesticide may be used to mitigate a declared pest emergency. If a pesticide is applied at a campus due to a pest emergency, the plan coordinator shall review the integrated pest management plan to determine whether modification of the plan might prevent future pest emergencies. The plan coordinator shall submit any recommendations for modification of the plan to the governing body. The governing body shall review and take formal action on the recommendations. [2009 c.501 §6; 2022 c.53 §11]

 

      634.740 Written notice requirements; warning signs; failure to notify or warn. (1) The governing body responsible for a school shall adopt policies and processes for ensuring that the integrated pest management plan coordinator for the school, or a designee of the coordinator, gives written notice of a proposed pesticide application at the campus to, at a minimum, parents and guardians of minor students, adult students, school administrators, faculty members and staff members. The plan coordinator or designee may give a written notice described in this subsection by any reasonable means, including but not limited to, electronic mail.

      (2) In adopting policies and processes under subsection (1) of this section, the governing body shall consider the age of the students attending the school and consider which methods for transmitting notice are most likely to reach the intended recipients.

      (3) Except as provided in this subsection, the plan coordinator or designee must give a pesticide application notice in a manner reasonably calculated to reach the intended recipient at least 24 hours before the pesticide application occurs. A notice must identify the name, trademark or type of pesticide products, the registration number assigned to each of the pesticide products, the expected area of application, the expected date of application and the reason for the application. If a pest emergency makes it impracticable to give a pesticide application notice at least 24 hours before the pesticide application occurs, the plan coordinator or designee shall send the notice no later than 24 hours after the application occurs.

      (4) Except as provided in this subsection, if a pesticide is applied at a campus, the plan coordinator or a designee of the coordinator shall place warning signs around pesticide application areas beginning no later than 24 hours before the application occurs and ending no earlier than 72 hours after the application occurs. A warning sign must bear the words “Warning: pesticide-treated area,” give the expected or actual date and time for the application and provide the telephone number of a contact person. If a pest emergency makes it impracticable to place the warning signs at least 24 hours before the pesticide application, the plan coordinator or designee shall place the signs as soon as practicable but no later than at the time the application occurs.

      (5) Failure to give notice or post warnings as required by this section does not create a cause of action for damages and may not be asserted as the basis for a per se negligence claim. [2009 c.501 §7]

 

      634.750 Pesticide application records. (1) If a pesticide is applied at a campus, the integrated pest management plan coordinator or a designee of the coordinator shall place the labeling information and material data safety sheet for the pesticide on file at a school on the campus. The plan coordinator or designee shall record and make available the following information:

      (a) The brand name or trademark of the pesticide product;

      (b) The United States Environmental Protection Agency registration number assigned to the pesticide product;

      (c) The pest condition that prompted the application;

      (d) A description of the area on campus where the application occurred;

      (e) The approximate amount and concentration of pesticide product applied;

      (f) The type of application and whether the application proved effective;

      (g) The pesticide applicator, noncommercial pesticide applicator or public applicator license numbers and pesticide trainee, noncommercial pesticide trainee or public trainee certificate numbers of the persons applying the pesticide;

      (h) The names of the persons applying the pesticide;

      (i) The dates on which the plan coordinator gave any notices required by ORS 634.740; and

      (j) The dates and times for the placement and removal of warning signs under ORS 634.740.

      (2) Pesticide application records must include copies of all notices given under ORS 634.740.

      (3) A school shall retain pesticide application records required by this section for at least four years following the application date. [2009 c.501 §8; 2022 c.53 §12]

 

CIVIL PENALTIES

 

      634.900 Penalty for certain violations; amount. (1) In addition to any other liability or penalty provided by law, the Director of Agriculture may impose a civil penalty on a person for violation of any of the provisions of this chapter relating to pesticide application, sale or labeling. The civil penalty for a first violation shall be not more than $2,000. For a subsequent violation, the director may impose a civil penalty of not more than $4,000.

      (2) Notwithstanding subsection (1) of this section, if the violation of a provision relating to pesticide application, sale or labeling results from gross negligence or willful misconduct, the civil penalty for a first or subsequent violation may not exceed $10,000.

      (3) A civil penalty may not be imposed under this section for violations other than those involving pesticide application, sale or labeling violation under this chapter.

      (4) Notwithstanding subsections (1) to (3) of this section, the director may impose a civil penalty on a person for violation of any of the provisions of this chapter related to restricted-use pesticides or for violation of any rule adopted pursuant to this chapter related to restricted-use pesticides. [1989 c.943 §2; 2007 c.592 §1; 2015 c.833 §11; 2021 c.177 §4]

 

      634.905 When penalty payable; notice; hearing. (1) Any civil penalty under ORS 634.900 shall be imposed as provided in ORS 183.745.

      (2) Notwithstanding ORS 183.745, the person to whom the notice is addressed shall have 10 days from the date of service of the notice in which to make written application for a hearing before the Director of Agriculture. [1989 c.943 §3; 1991 c.734 §57; 1999 c.59 §186]

 

      634.910 Reduction of penalty; criteria. A civil penalty imposed under ORS 634.900 may be remitted or reduced upon such terms and conditions as the Director of Agriculture considers proper and consistent with the public health and safety. [1989 c.943 §4]

 

      634.915 Schedule for penalty amounts; criteria; rules. (1) The State Department of Agriculture shall adopt by rule a schedule establishing the amount of civil penalty that may be imposed for a particular violation.

      (2) In imposing the penalty pursuant to the schedule authorized by this section, the Director of Agriculture shall consider the following factors:

      (a) The past history of the person incurring a penalty in taking all feasible steps or procedures necessary or appropriate to correct any violation.

      (b) Any prior violations of statutes, rules or orders pertaining to pesticide application, sale or labeling.

      (c) The gravity and magnitude of the violation.

      (d) Whether the violation was repeated or continuous.

      (e) Whether the cause of the violation was an unavoidable accident, negligence or an intentional act.

      (f) The violator’s cooperativeness and efforts to correct the violation.

      (g) The immediacy and extent to which the violation threatens the public health or safety. [1989 c.943 §5]

 

      634.920 [1989 c.943 §§6,7; repealed by 1991 c.734 §122]

 

      634.925 Disposition of penalties collected. All penalties recovered under ORS 634.900 to 634.915 shall be deposited by the State Treasurer in the Department of Agriculture Service Fund. Such moneys are continuously appropriated to the State Department of Agriculture to be used for information and education related to pesticide application. [1989 c.943 §8]

 

      634.990 [Amended by 1961 c.294 §13; repealed by 1973 c.341 §37]

 

CRIMINAL PENALTIES

 

      634.992 Criminal penalties. Violation of any of the provisions of this chapter, or any rules adopted by the State Department of Agriculture related to restricted-use pesticides, is a Class A misdemeanor. [1973 c.341 §36; 2011 c.597 §256; 2021 c.177 §5]

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