Maine Board of Pesticides Control

About

The Maine Board of Pesticides Control (BPC) is the state's lead agency for pesticide regulation. Policy decisions are made by a seven-member, public board. The BPC staff consists of ten full-time and four seasonal employees.

Mission

It is the policy of the State to work to find ways to use the minimum amount of pesticides needed to effectively control targeted pests in all areas of application. The agencies of the State involved in the regulation or use of pesticides shall promote the principles and the implementation of integrated pest management and other science-based technology to minimize reliance on pesticides while recognizing that outbreaks of disease, insects and other pests will necessitate fluctuations in pesticide use. These agencies, in cooperation with private interest groups, shall work to educate pesticide users and the general public in the proper use of pesticides and to determine other actions needed to accomplish the state policy. The Board of Pesticides Control was created for the purpose of assuring to the public the benefits to be derived from the safe, scientific and proper use of chemical pesticides while safeguarding the public health, safety and welfare, and for the further purpose of protecting natural resources of the State, it is declared to be the policy of the State of Maine to regulate the sale and application of chemical insecticides, fungicides, herbicides and other chemical pesticides.