Which agency is responsible for certifying pesticide applicators in the Department of Defense?

The Department of Defense (DoD) is responsible for certifying pesticide applicators within its jurisdiction. This responsibility is vital to ensure that pesticide application is conducted safely and in compliance with federal regulations. The DoD establishes its own guidelines and standards for pesticide use, which are tailored to the unique needs and situations of military operations and facilities.

While the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does set the overarching regulations and standards for pesticide registration and use across the nation, it is the DoD that specifically handles the certification process for its personnel. This ensures that the applicators are properly trained and knowledgeable about both the products they use and the environmental considerations unique to military settings.

Other agencies like OSHA and the CDC have roles in occupational safety and public health, respectively, but they do not hold the authority to certify pesticide applicators specifically within the DoD framework.