Part four – Storing pesticides

Overview

The Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (EPEA) governs the safe display, storage and handling of pesticides. It also covers the management of pesticide releases.

Requirements and guidelines

Details of pesticide storage regulations can be found in the Pesticide Storage: Regulatory Requirements and Guidelines document (Schedule 1 and 2). It is a summary of EPEA’s relevant regulatory requirements and operational guidelines.

The regulations apply to anyone who stores commercial and restricted class pesticides. These pesticides are listed in Schedules 1 and 2 of the provincial pesticide regulations. They govern storage of pesticides by:

• pesticide wholesalers and retailers
• warehouse distribution centres
• pesticide applicators
• service registration holders

The requirements do not apply to anyone storing domestic (lawn and garden) pesticides.

To read the details of the pesticide storage regulations, see:

• Pesticide Storage: Regulatory Requirements and Guidelines (Schedule 1 and 2)
• Pesticide Sales, Handling Use and Application Regulation

Warehousing pesticides

Warehousing of pesticides (commercial pesticide storage) is self-regulated in Alberta and across Canada. The Agrichemical Warehousing Standards Association (AWSA) was formed in 1997 to manage standards.

Through the establishment and implementation of warehousing standards, AWSA aims to:

• improve environmental protection
• improve working conditions
• reduce business risk

Certification cycle

Warehouses must be recertified every 2 years. The AWSA certification is done by independent auditors.

The Alberta government recognizes pesticide storage facilities that are certified by AWSA as deemed registered, meaning that the facility has met the provincial pesticide storage requirements. AWSA Phase III Certification of Compliance is the certificate recognized by the Alberta government.

More information on AWSA

To learn more about the AWSA or to find a licensed auditor:

• Agrichemical Warehousing Standards Association (AWSA)
• Licensed Auditors – AWSA

Mobile storage

A mobile pesticide storage facility includes a vehicle or trailer (mobile or stationary) that stores pesticide. The Mobile Pesticide Storage Guidelines document includes the requirements and guidelines for storing pesticides in a mobile storage facility.

For more information on mobile storage reference the Mobile Pesticide Storage Guidelines.