Maine Board of Pesticides Control

- 90 Blossom Ln, Augusta, ME 04333

For all of us living and working in Maine, protecting our unique environment—from the coastal waters to the vast forests and working farmlands—is a core priority. Given the essential role pesticides play in agriculture, forestry, public health, and property maintenance, their regulation is critical to ensuring safety for residents and ecological harmony across the state. The agency tasked with this complex and vital work is the Maine Board of Pesticides Control (BPC).

Operating as a State government office, the BPC is the lead agency responsible for the oversight of pesticide use within the State of Maine. Its core mission is to manage pests effectively to protect human health, the environment, and property, all while minimizing unnecessary pesticide exposure. This involves a comprehensive approach that includes licensing professionals, registering products, conducting enforcement, and perhaps most importantly for the public, championing education on responsible practices, such as Integrated Pest Management (IPM).

The Board itself is composed of seven members, nominated by the Governor, who bring a diverse set of expertise to the table, including agricultural knowledge, forestry experience, commercial application understanding, a medical background, and public representation. This ensures that policy decisions are balanced, taking into account the needs of Maine's economy and industries alongside the paramount concerns of public health and environmental protection. For any Maine resident—whether you are a homeowner using products in your yard, a farmer, a licensed commercial applicator, or a concerned citizen—the BPC is the central hub for laws, resources, and licensing information related to pest control.

The Maine Board of Pesticides Control (BPC) is a State government office attached to the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) for administrative and staffing purposes. It serves as Maine's lead regulatory body for all matters related to the sale, distribution, and use of pesticides and herbicides across the state.

The organization’s authority stems from the Maine Pesticide Control Act, requiring its role to adapt federal EPA rules to Maine’s specific circumstances while maintaining standards that are at least as stringent. The BPC’s responsibilities extend to nearly 6,000 products registered for use in the state, ensuring that applications are conducted safely and legally. A substantial part of their efforts focuses on minimizing reliance on pesticides, promoting the use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques, and conducting worker safety and groundwater protection initiatives, reflecting a commitment to both professional and ecological responsibility. They are a crucial resource center for both professional applicators and general Maine residents seeking accurate information on pest management and regulations.

The Maine Board of Pesticides Control is conveniently situated in the state capital, Augusta, making it a central and accessible State government office for Mainers traveling from across the state. The physical location is:

90 Blossom Ln, Augusta, ME 04333

This location is part of the Augusta campus and is designed to be fully accessible to the public, offering key features to accommodate all visitors:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance: Ensuring easy entry into the facility for all individuals, whether for meetings, licensing inquiries, or accessing public information.
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot: Providing designated and convenient parking spaces near the entrance for individuals with mobility needs.
• Digital Accessibility: In addition to the physical office, the BPC maintains an extensive online presence, offering Publications & Forms, and regulatory information, which is a key element of accessibility for Maine’s dispersed population.

For official correspondence, users should note that the mailing address is typically a State House Station box, but the physical address above is where the office is located for in-person visits and scheduled meetings.

The BPC provides a multitude of regulatory, educational, and enforcement services critical to the proper management of pesticides in Maine. These services are categorized into four primary areas:

• Licensing and Certification Programs:
  • Certifies and licenses all pesticide applicators, including Commercial Applicator License (Master and Operator levels), Private Applicator License (for restricted-use pesticides on owned property), and Agricultural Basic Applicator License.
  • Licenses Distributors (Dealers) of both general-use and restricted-use pesticides.
  • Provides training manuals and facilitates the required examinations for certification, often in partnership with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension.
• Product Registration and Oversight:
  • Registers all pesticide products and herbicides that are distributed and sold within the state of Maine.
  • Manages special registrations, such as Aquatic Herbicides and Section 24(c) Special Local Needs Registrations, to address Maine-specific issues.
  • Maintains a public list of all Maine Registered Products available for easy search.
• Public Health, Environmental Protection, and Education:
  • Oversees the Water Quality Program to protect state water resources from pesticide contamination.
  • Enforces regulations regarding pesticide drift, worker safety, and the Maine Pesticide Notification Registry.
  • Administers the Obsolete Pesticide Collection Program, a free program allowing homeowners, gardeners, and family farms to safely dispose of pesticide waste.
  • Provides Information for the Public and Pest Management Resources, including guidance on school IPM and finding licensed applicators.
• Enforcement and Policy Administration:
  • Enforces both Maine and federal pesticide laws and regulations, often in conjunction with the Attorney General.
  • Develops and determines state pesticide policy through regular, public Board Meetings, covering critical topics like the use of rodenticides in residential settings or the regulation of neonicotinoids.
  • Manages the mandatory deposit and return program for certain pesticide containers.

The BPC stands out not only for its regulatory duties but also for its proactive, resource-driven approach to pesticide management:

• Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Mandate: Maine's policy is to minimize reliance on pesticides. The BPC actively promotes IPM—a strategy that uses monitoring, prevention, and non-chemical controls before resorting to pesticides—as the core principle for pest management across schools, private buildings, and commercial operations.
• Commitment to Public Health and Environment: The Board’s structure mandates the inclusion of members with medical and environmental expertise, ensuring that decisions prioritize public health outcomes and environmental protection, such as through the Water Quality Program and the focus on reducing pesticide drift.
• Mandatory Container Recycling: The BPC administers the country's only mandatory deposit and return program for certain pesticide containers, demonstrating a strong, unique commitment to environmental stewardship and waste management in Maine.
• Transparency through Public Forums: All major policy decisions are made by the public board during regular Public Meetings, with schedules, agendas, and minutes made available online, offering Maine residents full transparency in the regulatory process.
• Licensing Rigor: The agency ensures a high standard of practice by requiring all commercial, private, and even many agricultural users to pass specific examinations for certification, thereby ensuring that professionals operating in Maine are properly educated and trained.

For questions regarding licensing, regulations, public health concerns, or to access public resources, the Maine Board of Pesticides Control can be reached via the following contact points in Augusta:

Physical Address: 90 Blossom Ln, Augusta, ME 04333
Phone: (207) 287-2731
Mobile Phone: +1 207-287-2731
TTY Users: Call Maine Relay 711

Note that the mailing address is 28 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0028.

The Maine Board of Pesticides Control is an invaluable State government office that every Maine resident should be aware of, especially those involved in agriculture, property management, or environmental advocacy. While some users may occasionally find the licensing and testing processes rigorous, the ultimate benefit to the Maine public is the high standard of safety, education, and accountability that the BPC enforces.

It is worth choosing the BPC as your primary resource because it acts as a critical balance point. It supports Maine's industries that rely on pesticides while strictly protecting the state’s natural resources and public well-being through strict enforcement of federal and state laws. Whether you need to know about the new rodenticide restrictions, find a Licensed Applicator, or dispose of old chemicals through the Obsolete Pesticide Collection Program, the BPC provides the technical expertise and regulatory framework to keep Maine safe. In a state that treasures its environment, the BPC is the government office that ensures pest management is handled correctly, responsibly, and with the unique Maine landscape in mind.

Maine Board of Pesticides Control

90 Blossom Ln, Augusta, ME 04333, USA