B08 Attachment 0019 Federal Insecticide Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) (5).pdf

June 2024

Attachment K

Pine Bluff Arsenal

Integrated

Pest Management Plan

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i

INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT PLAN

FOR

PINE BLUFF ARSENAL

Pine Bluff, Arkansas

CONTENTS

PAGE

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................................v

A. BACKGROUND

1. Purpose

2. Authority

3. Program Objective

4. Plan Maintenance

B. RESPONSIBILITIES

1. PBA Commander

2. Directorate of Public Works (DPW)

3. Directorate of Logistics, Hazardous Materials Control Center

4. PBA Occupational Health Clinic (OHC)

5. Director, Military Personnel and Community Activities

6. Director, Family Housing

7. Integrated Pest Management Coordinator (IPMC)

8. Pest Management Quality Assurance Evaluator (PMQAE)

9. Pest Management Contractors (PMCs)

10. Building Occupants/Residents and Tenant Activities

C. GENERAL

1. Installation Description

2. Layout of Facilities ii

3. Inventory of Land Use

D. INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT (IPM)

1. IPM Control Measures

2. IPM Outlines

3. Annual Workload for Surveillance, Prevention, and Control

4. Self-Help Program

E. PRIORITY OF PEST MANAGEMENT WORK

1. Disease Vectors and Medically Important Pests

2. Real Property Pests (i.e., Structural/Wood Destroying Pests)

3. Stored Products Pests

4. Household and Nuisance Pests

5. Vertebrate Pests

6. Ornamental Plant and Turf Pests

7. Undesirable Vegetation and Plant Diseases

8. Forest Pests

9. Aquatic Pests

10. Other Pest Management Requirements

11. Quarantine Pests

F. HEALTH AND SAFETY

1. Medical Surveillance of Pest Management Personnel

2. Hazard Communication

3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

4. Fire Protection

5. Pest Control Vehicles

G. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS

1. Protection of the Public iii

2. Sensitive Areas

3. Endangered/Protected Species and Critical Habitats

4. Cultural and Historical Sites

5. Environmental Documentation

6. Pesticide Spills and Remediation

7. Pollution Prevention

8. Prohibited Activities

H. ADMINISTRATION

1. Operations

2. Contracts

3. Interservice Support Agreements

4. Agricultural Out-Leases

5. Resources

6. Reports and Records

7. Training

8. Quality Assurance/Quality Control

9. Design/Review of New Construction

I. COORDINATION - DoD, OTHER FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL

J. SALE AND DISTRIBUTION OF PESTICIDES

K. PEST MANAGEMENT SERVICES PROVIDED TO OTHER ACTIVITIES

1. Tenant Activities

2. Agencies Located Off the Installation

L. REGULATED PESTS

M. PEST MANAGEMENT REFERENCES

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APPENDICES

A ‒ Integrated Pest Management Outlines .............................................................................. A-1 B – Performance Work Statement for Pine Bluff Arsenal Pest Control Contract ..................... B-1 C – Record of Environmental Consideration.............................................................................C-1 D – Pest Managment Point of Contacts….........……………... ..................................................D-1 E – Acronyms............................................................................................................................ E-1 v

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Pine Bluff Arsenal (PBA) serves as the Army Materiel Command Center of Industrial and Technical Excellence for smoke ammunition, chemical and biological defense equipment and performs production, testing, and certification of chemical and biological defense systems, and textile manufactoring as well as training on the systems. PBA provides for the repair, upgrade, reset, and sustainment of mobile and powered equipment, such as decontaminating apparatus (e.g., chemical biological protective shelters, collective protective deployable medical systems). PBA also plays a role in the Army Force Integration Process and has direct involvement in various phases of the Army Organizational Life Cycle Model from phase 2 (engineering and manufacturing development) through phase 3 (production and design agencies with development and engineering capabilities to conduct engineering studies for product improvement; perform prototype production, testing, and evaluation; Technical Data Package and concept prove-out; and system demonstration). It serves as the group technology center for illuminating and infrared munitions, provides the specified mission facility for smoke munitions, and maintains the sole U.S. capability for white phosphorus fill.

The integrated pest management plan for PBA is a comprehensive document describing the installation’s existing pest problems and the programs required to provide the most economical and effective means of pest control. The plan describes the applicable policies, requirements, and major actions that affect the pest management program at PBA. Adherence to the plan will permit long-range program planning, with consistency in meeting regulatory requirements and the best available control technology at the time of development.

The PBA pest management program uses contracted pest controllers to control various categories of pests. The PBA integrated pest management coordinator (IPMC) and the pest management quality assurance evaluator (PMQAE) oversee pest management operations. Pest management priority pests include disease vectors and medically important pests, real property (i.e., structural/wood destroying) pests, household and nuisance pests, vertebrate pests, ornamental and turf pests, undesirable vegetation, forestry pest and aquatic pest. Without control, these pests would interfere with the military mission, destroy real property and material, and adversely affect the morale of personnel working at the arsenal.

The IPMC and the PMQAE maintain this plan using pen-and-ink changes throughout the year and through an annual update reflecting all changes to the pest management program. Updates are submitted to the Headquarters Army Materiel Command no later than 15 September of each year to provide sufficient time for review and approval of proposed pesticides by the start of the upcoming fiscal year.

vi

A. BACKGROUND.

1. Purpose. This integrated pest management plan (IPMP) is a framework through which the pest management program is defined and accomplished at PBA. It identifies elements of the program that include health and environmental safety, pest identification, and pest management, as well as pesticide storage, mixing, transportation, use, and disposal. It is used as a tool to reduce reliance on pesticides, to enhance environmental protection, and to maximize the use of integrated pest management (IPM) techniques.

2. Authority.

a. Title 7 of the United States Code section 136, Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA)

b. Department of Defense (DoD) Instruction 4150.07, DoD Pest Management Program, 29 May 2008

c. Army Regulation 200–1, Environmental Protection and Enhancement, Chapter 5, 13 December 2007

d. Arkansas Pesticide Use and Application Act, Act 389 and the Arkansas Pesticide Control Act, Act 410 of 1975, as amended, otherwise known as The Arkansas Regulations on Pesticide Use

3. Program Objective. This plan provides guidance for operating and maintaining an effective pest management program. It stresses the principles of IPM, which consists of the judicious use of both chemical and nonchemical control techniques to achieve effective pest management with minimal pesticide use. Adherence to the plan will ensure effective, economical, and environmentally acceptable pest management and will maintain compliance with pertinent laws and regulations.

4. Plan Maintenance. This plan covers pest management operations at PBA for the next 5 years. Pen-and-ink changes are made to this plan throughout the year. The integrated pest management coordinator (IPMC) and the pest management quality assurance evaluator (PMQAE) review and update the plan annually, using the annual plan update form (PUF) to reflect all changes made in the pest management program during the year. The PUF includes the pesticide use proposal (PUP), which lists pesticide products that the installation proposes to use in the upcoming fiscal year. Unless otherwise directed, the IPMC sends the PUF and PUP to the Headquarters Army Materiel Command (HQAMC) pest management consultant (PMC) no later than 15 September of each year to provide sufficient time for review and approval of proposed pesticides by the start of the upcoming fiscal year. When contracting pest control services, PBA must prepare and submit the scope of work for the services to the PMC for review and approval before seeking a contractor.

B. RESPONSIBILITIES.

1. PBA Commander.

a. Comply with applicable federal, state, and local pesticide and pest management regulations.

b. Plan and budget for the development and maintenance of the IPMP.

c. Designate in writing a qualified IPMC to oversee all aspects of the IPMP, including in-house, contracted, and government purchase card-contracted operations;

housing, engineer, and medical department operations; and pesticide applications for grounds operations, out-leasing, wood preservation, self-help, and pesticide sales, as appropriate.

d. Approve, sign, and implement the PBA IPMP.

e. Ensure that installation pest management operations are performed or monitored by personnel who meet DoD or Arkansas standards for training, certification (including annual training), and/or accreditation.

f. Direct qualified personnel to develop and update the IPMP annually.

g. Direct the IPMC to forward the IPMP to the designated PMC for review and technical approval.

h. Provide facilities, equipment, and pesticides, as appropriate.

i. Ensure that pest management operations and pesticide use records are properly archived.

j. Ensure that all pest management operations are conducted safely, having as minimal an effect on the environment, personnel, and nontarget natural resources as practical and possible.

2. Directorate of Public Works (DPW).

a. Comply with applicable federal, state, and local pesticide and pest management regulations.

b. Provide funding or services necessary to deter pests, repair buildings, and maintain control of pests.

c. Plan and budget for the development and maintenance of the IPMP.

d. Provide IPM program oversight and management.

e. Select the PBA IPMC and PMQAE.

f. Ensure that pests are controlled according to the provisions of this plan.

g. Ensure use of IPM techniques.

h. Ensure preventative maintenance and surveillance inspections are performed as indicated in this plan.

i. Provide pest management services and refer programmatic questions to Environmental Management.

j. Ensure that all pest management operations are conducted safely, having as minimal an effect on the environment, personnel, and nontarget natural resources as practical and possible.

k. Coordinate all pest management policy and procedure changes to with the IPMC, industrial hygiene, Environmental Management Directorate, and other directorates, as necessary.

l. Provide annual training and funding for government applicators, as needed.

m. Ensure that proper storage, handling, and mixing facilities are provided for government applicators, as appropriate.

n. Provide facilities, equipment, and pesticides, as appropriate.

o. Obtain pesticide approval from the HQAMC PMC prior to purchasing pesticides, if needed.

p. Ensure that installation pest management operations are performed or monitored by personnel who meet DoD standards for training, certification, and/or accreditation.

q. Direct qualified personnel to develop and update the IPMP annually.

r. Review the IPMP.

s. Ensure that annual reporting requirements of the IPMP are met.

t. Ensure that pest management operations and pesticide use records are properly archived.

u. Appoint the IPMC/PMQAE as active members of the PBA Environmental Quality Control Committee (EQCC) and provide briefings about the PBA pest management program to the EQCC.

3. Directorate of Material Management.

a. Ensure Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are provided for all pesticides purchased by the government.

b. Provide guidance and coordinate the disposal of all obsolete or expired government owned pesticides.

c. Provide guidance to the Pest Management Contractor on pesticide spill prevention and cleanup.

4. US Army Occupational Health Clinic (OHC).

a. Conduct surveillance for pests that could adversely affect the health and welfare of PBA personnel.

b. Coordinate with local, county, and state health officials to determine the prevalence of disease vectors and other public health pests in the area surrounding PBA.

c. Evaluate aspects of the PBA pest management program that affect the health of personnel and the environment.

d. Oversee the IPMP medical surveillance program for PBA pest management personnel, as required.

e. Coordinate pest management operations and applications with the IPMC.

5. Director of Morale ,Welfare, and Recreation.

a. The housing office receives request from residents for pest management services.

b. Coordinates pest management services requests with the IPMC for corrective action.

6. Integrated Pest Management Coordinator (IPMC).

a. Ensure compliance with the IPMP.

b. Annually, review the IPMP and update it as needed. After PBA review, submit the updated plan to the HQAMC PMC for review and technical approval. Use the

HQAMC annual PUF format unless otherwise directed. The PUF must detail any changes to the IPMP to include but not limited to new pesticide applicators, amendment of an IPM Outline, etc. Revise the IPMP every 5 years from the date of signature by the commander. Submit the revised IPMP to the HQAMC PMC for review and technical approval before obtaining the commander’s signature.

c. Notify the HQAMC PMC whenever federal, state, or local regulators ask to observe pest management operations.

d. Coordinate the IPMP with arsenal, local, state, and federal agencies, as appropriate.

e. Coordinate and approve all pest management activities conducted at PBA. Request approval of new pesticides/herbicides from the HQAMC PMC.

f. Provide answers to questions concerning pest management. Request assistance from professional pest management personnel from HQAMC as necessary to resolve pest management issues.

g. Ensure that personnel performing pest control operations and/or applying pesticides on PBA have received proper training and hold a valid DoD pesticide applicator’s certificate or state commercial applicator’s certification for all categories of pesticide application or pest control performed. This applies to all personnel within the PBA installation boundaries.

Note: Unless otherwise directed, submit state applicator certificates to the PMC for verification and determination of equivalency to applicable DoD certification categories.

h. Maintain on an acceptable form of automated media and to be reported as directed all records of all pest management operations/data, including pest management records spreadsheets; PUFs; PUPs; out-of-cycle pesticide use reports (OCPURs);

records from pretreatment surveillance performed to determine pest population and densities and from post-treatment surveillance to evaluate effectiveness of chemical and nonchemical controls; and pesticide applications that each includes pesticide used, pounds of active ingredient (PAI), amount used, and site of application.

i. If necessary, initiate requests for aerial application of pesticides. Prepare and submit an aerial spray statement of need and performance work statement to the HQAMC PMC for review and approval. Environmental documentation to evaluate potential impacts or mitigation to reduce impacts to nonsignificant levels likely would be required for aerial application of pesticides.

j. Submit annually to the HQAMC PMC for approval a PUP listing all pesticides proposed to be used on PBA by all sources for the upcoming fiscal year. Use the standard HQAMC PUP format unless otherwise directed.

k. Submit an OCPUR when the use of a pesticide that was not included in the annual PUP is desired. Use the standard HQAMC OCPUR format unless otherwise directed.

l. Maintain automated records of pest management operations and use the DoD IPM Information System or other computer-generated equivalent approved by the

HQAMC PMC.

m. At least annually, address pesticide compliance and activities with command staff.

n. Coordinate all pest management activities that could potentially impact any critical habitat area and/or threatened and endangered species with PBA’s natural resources manager.

o. Coordinate all pest management activities that could potentially impact any cultural resources with PBA’s cultural resources manager.

p. Train PBA building and facility managers on the content of the PBA IPMP, especially the roles and responsibilities of PBA building occupants.

q. Should a self-help program be implemented at PBA, provide training to PBA residents and tenant activity personnel who request pesticides through the program.

Training would need to be provided and documented prior to checkout of any self-help items.

r. Maintain SDSs for all pesticides used on PBA and provide copies when requested.

s. Participate in PBA’s EQCC meetings and provide annual IPMP update briefings, pest management training/orientation, and pest management updates to the EQCC.

t. Maintain DoD certification and proficiency as described in section H of this plan.

u. Assist in preparation of pest management service contracts.

v. Review contract documents for compliance with this plan.

8. Pest Management Quality Assurance Evaluator (PMQAE).

a. Monitor and evaluate contractor pest management services, but do not apply or directly supervise pesticide application.

b. Coordinate pest management needs with the IPMC and pest management requirements with PBA pest management contractors.

c. Prepare contract specifications and initiate scope of work for pest control services that might be required, including submittal of contract specifications to Contracting for contract preparation, coordination of contract specifications with the IPMC, monitoring of pest management contracts and contractors, and maintenance of contracts on file.

d. Field service calls and inspect problem areas to determine if a pest management contractor is needed.

e. Coordinate with pest management contractor to ensure that all applicable data is recorded and reported as required by this plan.

f. Maintain effective liaison with the IPMC and installation health and environmental officials.

g. Maintain written records of pest surveillance and controls in a format (written or electronic) approved by the IPMC and provide records to the IPMC not less frequently than monthly, or as requested.

h. Maintain DoD certification and proficiency as described in section H of this plan.

i. Serve as the contracting officer’s representative for all contracted pest management services.

j. Coordinate, review, and monitor PBA contracts containing language prescribing pesticide application and pest control or management activities, and retain copies of each contract on file. Before solicitation, submit a copy of each contract to the HQAMC PMC for review and approval.

k. Participate in PBA’s EQCC meetings and provide annual IPMP update briefings, pest management training/orientation, and pest management updates to the EQCC.

9. Pest Management Contractors (PMCs).

a. Comply with the IPMP and use IPM techniques to the maximum extent possible with emphasis on nonchemical control methods or, if chemical action is required, with pesticides that have the lowest level effect on the environment.

b. Control pests according to the provisions of this IPMP or as approved by the IPMC if guidance is not provided in the plan.

c. Perform pest management operations and pesticide applications in a manner that minimizes risk of contamination of the environment and unnecessary exposure of personnel and nontarget natural resources, plants, and wildlife.

d. Comply with all PBA's environmental requirements to include the PBA spill prevention, control, and countermeasures (SPCC) plan and spill reporting requirements.

e. Comply with training requirements and hold a valid state commercial applicator’s certification for all categories of pesticide application or pest control performed on PBA. Provide certifications to the PBA IPMC.

f. Maintain effective liaison with the PBA IPMC and environmental officials.

g. Provide the IPMC with daily pesticide use forms and any other applicable and relevant documentation required by DoD Instruction 4150.07.

h. Transport off-site any unused pesticide.

i. Comply with Arkansas pesticide rules and regulations.

j. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when conducting pest management operations or applying pesticides.

k. Ensure that the pest management vehicle is secure at all times when not occupied by a certified applicator.

l. Do not store the pest management vehicle on-site.

m. Use only pesticides detailed in a PBA-approved PUP.

n. Maintain an appropriately sized spill kit in the pest management vehicle.

o. Do not store, mix, and/or dispose of pesticides and/or pesticide-related equipment or receptacles on-site unless approved by the IPMC.

p. Operate pesticide-related equipment in a manner that minimizes risk of contamination to the environment and personnel.

q. Field service calls and inspect problem areas as directed by the IPMC.

10. Building Occupants/Residents and Tenant Activities.

a. Implement good sanitary practices to prevent pest infestations from being established or continuing.

b. Building or facility managers: Call in work orders for pest management to the IPMC.

c. Housing residents: Call in work orders for pest management to the installation Housing Office. The Housing Office will then contact the IPMC.

d. Cooperate fully with pest management personnel in scheduling pest management operations, including preparing areas for treatment.

e. Do not impede or otherwise obstruct any pest surveillance and/or pest management activities.

f. Do not feed pests.

g. Actively support visual pest surveillance and report any concerns directly to the building manager, Housing Office, or the PBA IPMC.

h. Do not apply pesticides on PBA or solicit for your own contracted services to apply pesticides on PBA without approval from the IPMC.

C. GENERAL.

1. Installation Description

a. PBA consists of approximately 13,444 acres of gently rolling and flat land in Jefferson County, Arkansas. Situated in southeast Arkansas, PBA is approximately eight miles north of Pine Bluff and thirty miles southeast of Little Rock, Arkansas.

The western boundary of the arsenal is adjacent a railroad right-of-way that serves the arsenal. The eastern boundary is defined by the shoreline of the Arkansas River.

The south boundary is adjacent to private homes/farms, commercial timberland, and the Pine Bluff/ Jefferson County Industrial Park. The north boundary is adjacent to the Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson Laboratories.

b. The Arsenal employs civilian employees and military personnel. There are five family housing units available on PBA. More on PBA facilities is provided below in section C2.

c. Several streams or bayous transect the Arsenal and empty into the Arkansas River.

The Arkansas River has locks and dams to permit navigable waters as far inland as Catoosa, Oklahoma. Flooding of lowlands and accretion lands adjacent to the river occurs regularly. The range of land elevations above mean sea level is a high of 305 feet and a low of 197 feet. Topography is generally flat, with exception of stream drainages and the bluff bordering the old river channel.

d. The PBA integrated natural resource management plan (INRMP) describes in detail the natural resources found on PBA. The INRMP identifies threatened and endangered species; species of concern; and other protected species, vegetation, surface water features and wetlands found on PBA. The PBA natural resources manager maintains the INRMP. As necessary, the INRMP is used as a guideline for evaluating proposed pesticide application in conjunction with the natural resources manager to determine the potential effects of the pesticide(s) on natural resources.

e. The PBA manages cultural resources in accordance with their programmatic agreement (PA) with the Arkansas State Historic Preservation Office, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, and their integrated cultural resources management plan (ICRMP). The PBA cultural resources manager maintains the ICRMP and PA. As necessary, the documents are used as a guideline for evaluating proposed pesticide application in conjunction with the cultural resources manager (CRM) to determine the potential effects of the pesticide(s) on cultural resources.

2. Layout of Facilities. The majority of PBA activities and most arsenal improvements and facilities are in the south and central portions of PBA. The geographic regions on PBA are:

a. Main Administrative Area and Associated Facilities. The Main Administrative Area is located in the central portion of PBA. This area of the arsenal is intensively developed with buildings, improved roads, and communications. Facilities include officer and family housing, troop housing (barracks), community facilities, and child youth and school services, which includes recreational services and administrative offices.

b. Production Area. This area is one mile south of the Main Administrative Area. The Directorate of Manufacturing Operations is responsible for this area. The production area contains production lines for smoke and white phosphorus munitions, offices, workshops, and warehouses.

c. Ammunition Storage Area. This area is approximately one mile north of the Main Administrative Area and has approximately 276 earth-covered bunkers, known as “igloos,” that are used to store conventional munitions and material components. The area is primarily forested, with paved and gravel roads providing access to the storage bunkers.

3. Inventory of Land Use. There are three categories of grounds at PBA–improved, semi-improved and unimproved.

a. Improved Grounds. Improved grounds include areas on which intensive maintenance activities are planned and performed annually. These activities include pest management, mowing, irrigation, erosion control, drainage, planting for landscape effect, and other intensive practices. Grounds requiring intensive annual maintenance are lawns, athletic fields, parade and drill fields, airfield and heliport, and other miscellaneous areas.

b. Semi-Improved Grounds. Semi-improved grounds include areas on which periodic maintenance is performed but to a lesser extent than on improved grounds. Activities on this category of grounds normally include weed and brush control, drainage maintenance, and mowing for fire protection. Periodic maintenance is necessary in ammunition storage areas, along fire breaks, along road shoulders and railroad lines, and in a picnic area.

c. Unimproved Grounds. Unimproved grounds include forestland, areas under buildings, and surfaced areas and involve all other acreage not classified in the two previous categories. Periodic maintenance is necessary in these areas.

Requirements depend on mission activities and changing conditions due to flood, fire, insects, and other variables. The majority of forested land requires little or no maintenance.

D. INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT (IPM).

IPM is the use of multiple techniques to prevent or suppress pests in a given situation.

Although IPM emphasizes using nonchemical strategies, using pesticides can be an option used in conjunction with other methods. IPM strategies depend on surveillance to establish the need for control and to monitor the effectiveness of management efforts.

1. IPM Control Measures. The four basic IPM methodologies described in this section are the basis of IPM at PBA. While any one of the methods could solve a pest problem by itself, several methods are often used concurrently, particularly if long-term control is needed.

a. Mechanical and Physical Control. This method of control (1) alters the environment in which pests live, (2) traps and removes pests from where they are not wanted, and/or (3) excludes pests. Examples of this method of control are eliminating harborage by caulking or filling voids, screening, vacuuming, using mechanical traps or glue boards, and using nets and other barriers to prevent entry into buildings.

b. Cultural Control. This method involves strategies for manipulating environmental conditions to suppress or eliminate pests. For example, proper handling and disposal of food waste prevents fly breeding. Eliminating food and water for pests through good sanitary practices might prevent pest populations from becoming established or from increasing beyond a certain size.

c. Biological Control. This control method uses predators, parasites, or disease organisms to control pest populations. For example, sterile flies can be released to lower reproductive ability; viruses and bacteria can be used to control growth or otherwise kill insects; and parasitic wasps can be introduced to kill eggs, larvae, or other life stages. Biological control might be effective in and of itself, but it is often used in conjunction with other control strategies.

d. Chemical Control. Pesticides kill living organisms, whether they are plants or animals. At one time, pesticides were considered the most effective control available, but pest resistance rendered many pesticides ineffective. In recent years, the trend has been to use pesticides that have limited residual action. While this method has reduced human exposure and lessened environmental impact, the cost of pesticide use has risen because more frequent application is required. Because personal protection and special handling and storage are required with the use of pesticides, the overall cost of using them as a sole means of control can be quite high when compared with other control methods.

2. IPM Outlines. IPM outlines for PBA are provided in Appendix A of this plan. Each major pest or category of similar pests requiring management on PBA is addressed in a separate outline. The outlines will be continually updated to include new technologies as they become known and available. New outlines are added when new pests are identified that require implementing a new pest management practice, and existing outlines are removed when a pest species no longer requires a control action to be implemented.

3. Annual Workload for Surveillance, Prevention, and Control. PBA pest management includes an IPMC and PMQAE. Pesticide application is performed by contracted PMCs.

The IPMC maintains data on the number of labor hours expended for surveillance, prevention, and control of pests at PBA.

4. Self-help Program. PBA pest management does not include a self-help program. Should such a program be implemented in the future, it would be managed by the IPMC. Pest control items, such as those described in Armed Forces Pest Management Board (AFPMB) Technical Guide (TG) 42, Self-Help Integrated Pest Management, could be issued; however, before issuing them, the user would need to be properly trained by the IPMC in IPM and in the use and disposal of requested items. The IPMC would need to maintain SDSs, training records, and records of the quantity, location of use, and frequency of use. Ready-to-use, low-toxicity pesticides, such as ant spray, Wasp Freeze, Roundup Weed & Grass Killer, nonbait mouse traps, and mosquito spray (for outside workforce clothing and skin protection), would need to be approved by the PMC.

Documentation from the PMC approving the use of such ready-to-use, low-toxicity pesticides would be maintained by the IPMC.

E. PRIORITY OF PEST MANAGEMENT WORK.

Priorities of pest control operations that comprise the majority of the pest control at PBA are shown below, with Appendix A providing IPM outlines for these and other pests. Maps and drawings showing the location of buildings and areas requiring pest control services are provided in the Performance Work Statement for Pine Bluff Arsenal Pest Control Contract dated 20 April 2015 found in Appendix B of this plan.

1. Disease Vectors and Medically Important Pests. This type of pest can be a threat to public health because they can transmit disease. Examples of disease vector pests at PBA are mosquitoes, ticks, fire ants, and filth flies.

a. Mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are the primary pest on PBA, and significant mosquito breeding takes place on the installation. Most of the mosquitoes, come from the extensive flood plains of the Arkansas River and forested areas that surround almost all PBA housing areas and facilities. Diseases that mosquitoes can transmit include encephalitis, malaria, and West Nile virus. In addition to the medical threat, mosquito populations can reach nuisance levels at which they can negatively impact normal work and recreational activities. Appendix C of this plan provides a listing of relevant mosquito species, their habits, breeding sites, and diseases they are capable of transmitting. Adult mosquitoes require the application of insecticide using a truck-mounted ULV aerosol generator at predetermined locations on the main post area. In addition, residual insecticides are applied to vegetative mosquito resting areas.

Larval control is applied to standing water in ditches and low-lying areas. Biological control (e.g., Gambusia affinis, Bacillus thuringiensis), as well as insect growth regulators, are methods of treatment.

b. Ticks. Ticks are generally found in the wooded areas of PBA; however, they are occasionally found in landscaping in the improved areas. Treatment is accomplished through education of the workforce on the appropriate clothing to wear for working outdoors and on the proper use of repellants.

c. Fire Ants. Jefferson County is considered to be infested with fire ants. Fire ant control is conducted in predetermined areas where mounds are found or where they interfere with work activities. Control is conducted by mound or area application of insecticides. At a minimum, all outdoor areas shall be surveyed twice a year, once in March and once in September.

d. Filth Flies. Filth flies could pose a problem if not controlled. The control program for filth flies emphasizes the elimination of on-post breeding areas, preventing entry into buildings (by installing screens on doors and windows), maintaining high sanitation levels, removing wastes promptly, and requiring dumpsters used at dining and kitchen facilities to have lids and to be cleaned frequently. Using plastic bags for the disposal of garbage and trash is standard practice. Chemical controls are used only when necessary and in conjunction with other methods of control.

e. Black Widow and Brown Recluse Spiders. Black widow spiders are often found in undisturbed places in warehouses, family housing, igloo storage areas, and in and around other buildings. Although these spiders are poisonous, PBA personnel encounter few, if any, problems. Brown recluse spiders occasionally occur on the installation. These spiders are rarely encountered, but bites have been reported in past years.

f. Scorpions. Scorpions are commonly found in and around buildings on the installation. Like the black widow spider, they are usually encountered in undisturbed areas. They are poisonous, but cause few problems to personnel.

g. Bees and Wasps. Bees and wasps are found throughout the installation. The stings are painful and cause allergic reactions in some people. These insects are a minor problem on PBA.

2. Real Property Pests (i.e., Structural/Wood Destroying Pests). This type of pest, which can have an impact on operations at PBA, includes termites, carpenter ants, wood-destroying fungi, powder post beetles, and other wood destroying pests. A well-managed structural pest control program includes inspection, prevention, and chemical treatments as needed. All susceptible structures (i.e., all wood or with wooden structural members) are inspected annually between the months of September through January.

Pest control inspection records should note when a building was inspected, if an infestation was found and where it was located, and any treatment performed. Pest control inspection records are kept in the contract folder. Various control techniques (all of which are part of an integrated approach to structural pest control) include construction practices that protect wood from attack; controlling moisture through proper drainage and ventilation; and the use of termiticide for soil treatment or baiting of perimeter areas around building foundations.

3. Stored Products Pests. Stored products pests can infest food items stored in the Child Development Center and concession area at community club. Occasional complaints are received from family housing residents. Stored product pest infestations are not a major problem on PBA.

4. Household and Nuisance Pests. This type of pest includes cockroaches, ants, spiders, silverfish, mice, rats and other crawling and flying pest. Control of these pests is required to maintain the welfare and morale of building occupants and PBA residents. As actual eradication of these pests is not feasible, effective controls are used to reduce their populations to tolerable levels or to temporarily control them. Controls include removal of breeding/harborage sites, maintaining high levels of sanitation, trapping, and the use of chemical controls when other means prove unsuccessful. Chemical controls are used only when necessary and in conjunction with other methods of control.

5. Vertebrate Pests. These pests consist primarily of rats, mice, moles/pocket gophers, skunk, beaver, birds, and a variety of vertebrate species indigenous to the natural habitat surrounding PBA.

a. Rats and mice occasionally invade buildings. The primary methods used to control mice are identifying and eliminating possible routes of entry and harborage sites, the use of glue boards and traps, and limited use of mouse bait stations.

b. Moles/pocket gophers are sometimes a nuisance in improved grounds lawn areas.

c. Skunks are a significant problem in well-lighted areas and often take refuge/residency under installation buildings. Live traps are used to capture skunks when practical. Skunks are disposed of by re-location.

d. Nuisance birds are normally pigeons, blackbirds, starlings, and sparrows. Bird control consists of prevention from nesting, roosting, or loafing on exterior and interior surfaces of buildings and structures. Birds protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), which periodically occur on the installation, cannot be controlled without a Depredation Permit issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).

If such a permit is required, PBA will contact the USFWS to obtain the permit. Bird management may include trapping, physical removal, non-lethal repellents, physical barriers, operation of pyrotechnic and scare devices, and toxic baits.

e. Various other vertebrate pests, which occasionally interfere with PBA operations, include birds, raccoons, cats, dogs, snakes (water moccasins, three kinds of rattlesnakes, copperhead), beaver and American alligator. When needed, these vertebrate pests are trapped by the PBA pest management contractor. Trapping is coordinated with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) when a species is out of season. The AGFC is also responsible for catching and tagging nuisance alligators. Captured alligators are relocated off post.

The pest management contractor is also responsible for capturing and removing stray dogs and cats on the installation. The Directorate of Law Enforcement and Security assists in eliminating feral dogs and cats that can’t be caught in live traps.

Dogs and cats having an identifying collar are returned to their owners. Animals caught without collars are adopted for pets. Those not suitable for pets are transported to the Pine Bluff animal shelter. This action is necessary for the protection of post residents and employees, as well as vulnerable game animals and songbirds.

Snakes found in areas where they are not wanted (e.g., housing areas) are captured alive and relocated to other areas on the post whenever possible.

Beaver are considered to be only a minor problem on PBA. No attempt is made to control beavers, except when they interfere with culvert pipes or recreational facilities. The pest management contractor is responsible for trapping beaver whenever they cause a problem. Beaver can be trapped year-round when they cause problems to improved grounds.

Control programs for vertebrate pest are coordinated with the USFWS and the AGFC, as needed.

6. Ornamental Plant and Turf Pests. Various insect pests, resulting in damage or destruction of plants, can infest trees and shrubs on PBA. Outbreaks of Eastern Tent caterpillars, Fall Webworms, and Japanese beetles occur annually. Pests in this category have not required control in recent years. Control is only initiated when surveillance indicates major damage could occur to specimen plants.

7. Undesirable Vegetation and Plant Diseases. These include unwanted weeds and grasses in parking lots, on railroad right-of-way, around utility equipment, in drainage ditches, around mowing obstructions, and along fence and road shoulders. Chemical controls are applied on an as needed by the pest management contractor. Some control of unwanted plants is done mechanically (mowing, weed eaters, etc.). Johnson grass is the only known noxious weed to occur on PBA. Because of its widespread distribution and minimal impact, no effort is made to control its spread, except when it invades improved grounds areas.

8. Forest Pests. Forestry management requires annual helicopter surveys to monitor for southern pine beetle infestations for early detection and containment before a major infestation occurs. For forest management purposes, surveys and treatment for herbaceous weeds are also conducted for forest health, site preparation for future tree seedling planting and other management measures. Because of specialized pest management treatment measures and equipment needs, PBA is considering using forestry funding to contract pest management contractors outside the existing installation base contract should such treatment be needed.

9. Aquatic Pests. Aquatic weeds (specifically American lotus), require treatment to prevent them from overtaking PBA lakes and ponds. Problem weed areas are typically in water less than 3 feet deep. On ponds with the capability of water drawdowns, drawdowns will be used to control weeds. Ponds not equipped for water drawdown are treated with herbicides wherever weeds become a major problem.

10. Other Pest Management Requirements. The pest management contractor is responsible for carcass removal from areas on PBA. The control of possible odors arising from dead animals, decaying vegetation, or other sources in buildings and other structures also is conducted by contract services. The contractor must use cage-type live traps or other techniques that do not harm captured animals except when trapping beaver when "Conibear" type traps may be used. Leg-hold steel traps shall not be used.

Disinfectants and cleaners that are identified as fungicides or pesticides in the product SDS (e.g., Windex, Lysol, 409) will be tracked as such under the pest management program. If the product SDS indicates that it is used for cleaning and disinfecting, it will not be tracked under the program.

11. Quarantine Pests. Fire Ants and Japanese beetles are quarantine pests that could affect the shipment of munitions and other types of shipments off post. Outdoor storage areas where crated materials are stored prior to shipment should be maintained free of these pests. In the event that such pests are observed or suspected, the PBA IPMC will immediately notify HQAMC PMC regarding the presence of quarantine pest. Information on Arkansas quarantine pest is available at http://www.aad.arkansas.gov/quarantines.

F. HEALTH AND SAFETY.

1. Medical Surveillance of Pest Management Personnel. Pesticide handling and application at PBA is done by contracted pest management personnel, who are medically monitored under their employer’s medical surveillance program.

2. Hazard Communication. All DoD pest management personnel are trained in hazard communication requirements and procedures. The IPMC files and maintains training documentation for pest management personnel. SDSs for all pesticides and other toxic substances used by contract personnel also are maintained by the IPMC. During pest control operations, legible copies of the label and SDS are available for each pesticide/bait being used.

3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Contracted pest management personnel responsible for pesticide handling and application at PBA must comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards (Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 1910) and individual pesticide label requirements. Providing PPE and safety training for contracted pest management personnel are the responsibility of the personnel’s employer. Information on the proper use and maintenance of PPE is provided in AFPMB TG 14, Personal Protective Equipment for Pest Management Personnel.

4. Fire Protection. Pesticide are not stored at PBA. Any spills that occur during pesticide application are to be reported to the fire department and managed in accordance with the PBA’s SPCC plan. Pesticide spills must also be reported to the IPMC or PMQAE and the PBA Environmental Management. Information on pesticide fires, prevention, control, and cleanup is provided in AFPMB TG 16, Pesticide Fires–Prevention, Control, and Cleanup.

5. Pest Control Vehicles. Pesticide handling and application at PBA is done by state-certified contract pest management personnel who use employer vehicles. When vehicles are used to transport pesticides, the contract personnel take care to secure containers to prevent damage or spills. A spill cleanup kit is carried in each vehicle being used for pesticide transportation or application. At no time are pesticides left unsecured in a vehicle when it is unattended. No pesticides or contaminated equipment is placed in the cab of a vehicle. Pest management vehicles and equipment are not left on PBA overnight. At no time will government vehicles be used to transport or secure pesticides.

G. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS.

1. Protection of the Public. During pesticide application, precautions are taken to protect the public, on and off the arsenal. When pesticides are applied outdoors, care is taken to ensure that climatic conditions are consistent with the guidance on the pesticide’s label and that any drift is kept away from people (including the applicator), nontarget habitats, and wildlife. When pesticides are applied indoors, the certified applicators wear the proper personal protective clothing and equipment. At no time during pesticide application are personnel permitted in the treatment area where exposure is possible, unless they have met the medical monitoring standards and are appropriately protected.

2. Sensitive Areas.

a. The protection of the environment and sensitive areas listed on pesticide labels are considered before pest control operations are conducted. No pesticides are applied directly to wetlands or water areas (e.g., surface water features such as streams and ponds), unless use in such areas is specifically approved on the label and the IPMC approves the proposed application. Coordination with the PBA natural resources manager also is required before pesticides are applied to sensitive areas (e.g., arsenal wetlands). PBA’s surface water features, wetlands, and sensitive areas are described in the PBA INRMP. The documents are maintained by the PBA natural resources manager.

b. Special care is taken when pesticides are applied in patient areas of the PBA OHC.

Pesticide label instructions and guidance in AFPMB TG 20, Pest Management Operations in Medical Treatment Facilities, must be followed. A copy of TG-20 can be acquired from the IPMC.

c. PBA has a child, youth, and school services facility. The application of pesticides in that facility conforms to AFPMB requirements. A copy of the Integrated Pest Management in Child Development Centers and Schools can be acquired from the

IPMC.

3. Endangered/Protected Species and Critical Habitats. Two species managed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) have been observed on PBA: the American alligator and American Bald Eagle. The American Bald Eagle was delisted from the ESA effective August 8, 2007, but it is still protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the MBTA. The American alligator is managed under the ESA as a threatened species because it resembles the American crocodile, an endangered species in USFWS Region 4. It was placed on the endangered species list in 1967 and afforded full protection under the ESA. Appendix J of the INRMP lists the species that USFWS, ANHC, and AGFC identify as protected species that might occur on PBA, in Jefferson County, or in Arkansas.

The IPMC, in coordination with the PBA natural resources manager, periodically evaluates ongoing pest control operations and evaluates all new pest control operations against environmental documentation to ensure compliance with laws such as FIFRA, the Clean Water Act, the ESA, and the MBTA. No pest management operations are conducted that are likely to have a negative effect on endangered or protected species or their habitat without prior coordination with the DPW Engineering Plans and Services (EP&S) Division, approval from the HQAMC PMC, and, if required, approval from USFWS and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. The PBA INRMP provides more information concerning protected species.

4. Cultural and Historical Sites. Cultural resources at PBA are managed by the Cultural Resource Manager (CRM) in the Natural Resources Office. The CRM must be notified about any proposed work that might affect significant or potentially significant cultural resources. In 2015, 271 PBA buildings were evaluated for historical significance, and PBA is now working on Historic American Buildings Survey and Historic American Engineering Record documentation.