The Division of Environmental Quality has published its CNMI Pesticide Management Regulations in the Jan. 28, 2013, edition of the Commonwealth Registrar and to date, no comments or inquiries have been made.
“Unfortunately, DEQ has not yet received inquiry or comments about the proposed regulations and there will be impacts to the regulated community,” said Reina Camacho, manager for the pesticide and storage tank branch at DEQ. “This comment period is an opportunity for the community to voice his or her concern on any item proposed in the pesticide regulations. As you know, rules and regulations are developed and they affect our everyday lives and all of us are expected to comply.”
The regulations apply to all persons that import, sell or distribute, use, handle and or apply pesticides. “The reason for the new regulation is to ensure the proper management of pesticide use, sale and local requirements meet federal standards and practices applicable to the islands,” said Camacho.
One of the most important parts of the rulemaking process is the ability of the public to participate. Public feedback on regulations is necessary if we are to fully embrace our democratic values. The most important of these public participation mechanisms is the ability to comment on a proposed rule through what is commonly referred to as the "notice-and-comment" period in an informal rulemaking.
To provide comments, follow these simple steps.
Steps 1: Read the proposed regulations. The proposed pesticide regulations are available for viewing and or downloading at the agency website http://deq.gov.mp
Step 2: Write your comments. Include the specific part or section and subsection for which you are commenting and what amendments you would like to be considered.
Step 3: Submit your comments. You will need to provide your first name and last name and contact information (phone, email or mailing address) so that DEQ can contact you for additional information or clarification. It is optional to include your occupation or profession; however, having this information, will be helpful in understanding your perspective.
Mail: Written comments must be addressed to the DEQ director Frank M. Rabauliman. DEQ's mailing address is: P O Box 501304 Saipan, MP 96950. Comments received through mail must be postmarked by Thursday, March 28, 2013.
Email: Comments submitted via email must be sent to storagetankspesticides@deq.gov.mp and must be received before the close of business day, 4:30pm, on Thursday, March 28, 2013.
Other suggestions for making sure your comments have the greatest possible impact:
- Clearly indicate if you are for, or, against the proposed rule or some part of it and why. Regulatory decisions are based largely on law and science, and agency reviewers look for reasoning, logic, and good science in comments they evaluate. Please note that simply stating your agreement or disagreement is not sufficient for DEQ to make changes; DEQ wants to know why it is important to you.
- Include a copy of articles or other references that support your comments.
- Only relevant material should be submitted. If an article or reference is in a foreign language, it must be accompanied by an English translation verified to be accurate. Translations should be accompanied by a copy of the original publication.
DEQ published the proposed pesticide regulations on its website since November 2012, featured a summary of the changes with media sources in January and has held stakeholder sessions every Tuesday at its office throughout January and February.
In the event there are no comments received on or before Thursday, March 28, 2013, the proposed regulations shall be adopted as is.
DEQ is located at the Gualo Rai Center on Chalan Pale Arnold; office hours are 7:30am until 4:30pm. Tel: 664-8500 and Fax: 664-8540. (DEQ)
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