Ministry of the Environment
133 Dalton Avenue
P.O. Box 820
Kingston, ON K7L 4X6


April 12, 2002


Dear Mr. DiGiovanni:
Re: Use of Noncompliant Pesticides Use Posting Signs

Thank you for your e-mail of March 22, 2002 regarding the use of noncompliant pesticide use posting signs.

As you are aware, on August 02, 2001, I agreed to the continued use of pesticides warning signs which did not fully comply with section 76 of Ontario Regulation 914. The noncompliance permitted was very specific and allowed for the continued use of those signs until December 31, 2001.

As stated in my August 2, 2001 letter, it was the Ministry's expectation that as of January 01, 2002, only fully compliant signs would be used.

A Ministry Notice, January 21, 2002, was widely distributed to licensed exterminators informing them of the specific sign requirements by the regulation.

The Ministry provided ample warning and time for the industry to use existing inventory and to prepare for the 2002 season. At this point, I am not prepared to consider a further extension to the time period for the use of noncompliant posting signs. It remains the Ministry's expectation that only fully compliant posting signs will be used this year and in the future.

I encourage you to inform your association as quickly as possible through your Horticultural Trades website and/or other means.

Please note that I have also received a similar request from Turf Management Systems Inc., a member of your association, to which I have responded in a like manner.

I appreciate your concerns regarding this matter as well as recognize the long standing excellent relationship between Landscape Ontario and the Ministry of the Environment. I look forward to maintaining the relationship as we all work together to bring the industry into full compliance with the regulations on posting signs.

Yours truly,
Brian R. Ward
Director, Eastern Region