A.__For the department to manage the inventorying and removal of hazardous materials, including pesticides from public schools and private schools that enroll at least 60% publicly funded students;

B.__To develop and conduct training, education and outreach activities at schools on appropriate hazardous materials purchasing and use and management of hazardous waste and pesticides; and

C.__To manage and administer the Maine Solid Waste Management Fund as it pertains to the pesticide fee under section 2242.

§2244.__Rules

The department may adopt rules to carry out the purposes of this subchapter.__Rules adopted pursuant to this section are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A.

SUMMARY

The purpose of this bill is to generate revenue to continue and expand the efforts of the Department of Environmental Protection to assist schools with the safe removal and disposal of hazardous materials, such as pesticides, mercury compounds and toxic, flammable and explosive laboratory and other chemicals. Revenue is generated by a 30¢ fee on each unit of general use pesticide distributed for retail sale in this State. The fee is assessed at the distributor level and does not apply to bulk containers of restricted or limited use pesticides for agricultural and commercial use.