This series consist of pesticide and herbicide use permit files created by the Pesticide Control Branch of the Ministry of Environment from 1968-1987. The permits were required for the application of pesticides or herbicides on specific locations of public (Crown) land. The permit system regulated the type of pesticide, where it was applied and under what circumstances or method. Permits were issued under the authority of the Pesticide Control Act (RSBC 1979, c.322) and its regulations.
Before 1977, the use of pesticides and herbicides was managed by the Etymology Branch of the Ministry of Agriculture, with regulations under the Pharmacy Act (1960). These files were referred to as proposed herbicide treatment files but fulfilled the same function as the later pesticide use permits.
Each file may contain the permit, maps, amendments, extensions, correspondence with the applicant, records related to the application process, inspections, follow up reports, work plans, reports, permit coding forms, and correspondence from concerned members of the public opposing a permit or use of pesticides. From 1988 onwards, files may also include records related to appeals with the Pesticide Control Appeal Board or Environmental Appeal Board.
Consultation and comments may be provided by the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agriculture, Fish and Wildlife Branch, Forest Protection Branch, Environment Canada and other local government bodies. Comments indicate if applications are approved, denied, or authorized subject to additional conditions or requirements. Permits may also be amended or cancelled as a result of an appeal with the Environmental Appeal Board or Pesticide Control Committee.
The most common permit applicants are the Ministry of Transportation, BC Forest Products, Ministry of Forests and BC Hydro. Other applicants include government ministries, municipalities, regional districts, forestry companies, railway companies, landscaping companies, pest control companies, and chemical companies such as Monsanto.
Each file title in the file list may include the applicant name, the type of program or intended use for the pesticide, the name of the chemical being use, and the district or area the chemical was applied.
British Columbia. Pesticide Control Branch