When must applicators report pesticide spills to the EPA?

Applicators must report pesticide spills to the EPA only if a specified volume is exceeded. This threshold is based on regulations that establish specific reporting requirements for pesticide spills that pose a potential risk to human health or the environment. Generally, the EPA has guidelines that delineate the minimum amount of pesticide that must be involved in a spill for it to warrant notification. By focusing on spills of a particular size, the regulations ensure that only significant incidents that could have adverse effects are reported, allowing for more efficient use of resources in managing spill responses and avoiding unnecessary alarm over minor spills. This approach balances the need for oversight with practical considerations regarding the volume of substances that could cause harm.