2015_Integrated_Pest_Management_Plan2.pdf

Final

Integrated Pest Management Plan 2015

Pittsburgh Air Reserve Station

911th Airlift Wing

Air Force Reserve Command

Sep 2013, Revised Aug 2015

Pittsburgh ARS Pest Management Plan i

Table of Contents Section Page

APPROVAL AND TECHNICAL REVIEW ...........................................................................iii

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS ..................................................................................iv

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

2. INTRODUCTION

(a) Objective of the Pest Management Plan

(b) Mission

(c) Installation Description

3. REPONSIBILITIES FOR PEST MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

(a) Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC)

(b) Installation Pest Management Coordinator

(c) Pest Management and Quality Assurance Evaluator (QAE)

(d) Public Health/Bioenvironmental Engineer (BEE)

4. PEST MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS AND STRATEGIES FOR APPLICABLE PEST/DISEASE

VECTOR CATEGORIES

(a) Disease Vectors and Other Health-Related Pests

(b) General Household and Nuisance Pests

(c) Real Property Pests

(d) Weed Control

(e) Stored Product Pests

(f) Ornamental Plants and Turf Pests

(g) Natural Resources Pests

(h) Golf Course Pests

(i) Miscellaneous Pests

(j) Vertebrate Pests

(k) Other Pest Management Requirements

5. ADMINISTRATION

(a) Work Orders

(b) Contracts

(c) Inter-Service Support Agreements

(d) Agricultural Outleases

(e) Resources

(f) Reports and Records

(g) Training

(h) Coordination with Food Service Managers, Maintenance Personnel, etc

(i) Termite Inspection Plan

6. HEALTH AND SAFETY MEASURES

(a) Requirements

(b) Methods to Reduce Potential Hazards to Pest Management Personnel

(c) Methods to Reduce Potential Hazards to Installation Personnel

(d) Methods to Reduce potential Hazards to the Public

(e) Pest Control Vehicles

(f) Disposal ii

Section Page

7. PUBLIC LAWS AND REGULATIONS

8. COORDINATION WITH OTHER ORGANIZATIONS AND AGENCIES

9. MEASURES FOR COMPLIANCE WITH MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH STATE

PESTICIDE REGULATORY OFFICE(S)

10. PEST MANAGEMENT OPERATIONS WITH SPECIAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS ... 23

(a) Operations Using Restricted-Use Pesticides

(b) Operations with Potential to Contaminate Surface or Groundwater

(c) Operations in Areas Consisting of More Than 640 Acres

(d) Operations in Areas with Endangered or Protected Species

(e) Operations Involving Aerial Application

(f) Operations Involving Designated Noxious Weeds

(g) Operations Involving Experimental-Use Permits

(h) Operations Involving Environmentally Sensitive Areas

11. OTHER PEST MANAGEMENT PLAN ISSUES

(a) Applicable Pollution Control/Abatement Projects

(b) Environmental Documentation

12. PEST MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR SERVICES PROVIDED TO OTHER ACTIVITIES OR

INSTALLATIONS

(a) On Installation

(b) Off Installation

13. BENEFICIAL PUBLICATIONS AND EMERGENCY CONTACTS

14. ANNEXES

(A) Installation Map ........................................................................................................................................ A-1

(B) Annual Pesticide Procurement Approval for Restricted-Use Pesticides................................................... B-1

(C) Pesticide Inventory ................................................................................................................................... C-1

(D) Pesticide Labels and Safety Data Sheets .................................................................................................. D-1

(E) Operational Control and Maintenance Records from Previous Years ...................................................... E-1

(F) Applicable Instructions and Procedures ................................................................................................... F-1

(G) Contracting Standards, Specifications, and Statements of Work .............................................................. G-1

(H) Manpower Surveys ................................................................................................................................... H-1

(I) Shop Equipment and Sources ................................................................................................................... I-1

(J) List of Safety Items and Personal Protective Equipment .......................................................................... J-1

(K) Technical Information .............................................................................................................................. K-1

(L) Spill Plan and Pesticide Clean-up Guidance............................................................................................. L-1

(M) Industrial Hygiene Surveys of Pest Management Shop ............................................................................ M-1

(N) Cost Comparison Analyses ....................................................................................................................... N-1

(O) Species Listing ......................................................................................................................................... O-1

(P) Licenses and Certifications ....................................................................................................................... P-1

(Q) Self help program ..................................................................................................................................... Q-1

(R) Surveillance of mosquitoes and dead birds for West Nile virus................................................................R-1

(S) Pest Management Quality Assurance Evaluator (QAE) Checklist.............................................................S-1 iv

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

AFI - Air Force Instruction AFPMB - Armed Forces Pest Management Board AFRC - Air Force Reserve Command ARS - Air Reserve Station BASH - Bird Aircraft Strike Hazard BCE - Base Civil Engineer BEE - Bioenvironmental Engineer CE - Civil Engineering CEO - Civil Engineering Operations CEOM - Civil Engineering Facility Maintenance and Utility Operations CEV - Civil Engineering Environmental Management CIS - Cholinesterase-Inhibiting Substances DoD - Department of Defense DoDI - Department of Defense Instruction EO - Executive Order EPA - Environmental Protection Agency FIFRA - Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act FY - Fiscal Year GSA - United States General Services Administration HAZCOM - Hazard Communication IPM - Integrated Pest Management IPMIS - Integrated Pest Management Information System MAJCOM - Major Command MOM – Measure of Merit PMC - Pest Management Consultant POL - Petroleum, Oil, and Lubricants PS - Public Statue QAE - Quality Assurance Evaluator RBC - Red Blood Cell SDS – Safety Data Sheet SPTG - Support Group TIM - Technical Information Memorandum USAF – United States Air Force USGS - United States Geological Survey http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/fifra.htm

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This document provides the guidance necessary to meet Department of Defense (DoD) policy requirements for pest management, as detailed in DoD Instruction (DoDI) 4150.7, DoD Pest Management Program (29May2008), to establish and maintain safe, effective, and environmentally sound integrated pest management (IPM) programs. These programs are designed to prevent or control pests and disease vectors that may adversely impact readiness or military operations by affecting the health of personnel or damaging structures, materiel, or property. The Air Force specific guidance for pest management, incorporating DoD guidelines, is promulgated in Air Force Instruction (AFI) 32-1053, Pest Management Program (23June2009).

This plan will also ensure compliance with all applicable Executive Orders and applicable federal, state, and local statutory and regulatory requirements. The plan incorporates the IPM philosophy, strategies, and techniques to incorporate vector control and pest management, while reducing pesticide-related risk and preventing pollution.

The contents of this plan apply to all activities and individuals working, residing, or otherwise doing business on this installation and will be implemented to the maximum extent possible. At no time will pest management operations be completed in a manner that will cause harm to personnel or the environment. Pest management responsibility will begin with those individuals that occupy or maintain buildings or open space on the installation. Nonchemical control efforts will be used to the maximum extent possible before pesticides are used. This plan will be a working document and will be continually updated to reflect actual pest management practices.

The pest management plan for Pittsburgh Air Reserve Station (ARS) describes the installation's pest management requirements, outlines the resources necessary for surveillance and control, and describes the administrative, safety, and environmental requirements of the program. The plan uses a pest management contractor to control pests. Pests included in the plan are weeds and other unwanted vegetation, crawling insects (common ants, carpenter ants, cockroaches, ticks, crickets, clover mites, bag worms, spiders, pillbugs, millipedes, and bagworms/tent caterpillars), flying insects (mosquitoes, flies, gypsy moths, hornets/wasps, and honey bees), mice, ground hogs, raccoons, and other vertebrate pests. Without control, these pests could interfere with the military mission, damage real property, increase maintenance costs, and expose installation personnel to certain diseases.

2. INTRODUCTION

(a) Objectives of the Pest Management Plan. This pest management plan is a framework through which pest management is defined and accomplished on the installation. The plan identifies elements of the program such as health, environmental, safety, pest identification, pest management, as well as pesticide storage, transportation, use, and disposal. This plan is to be used as a tool to reduce reliance on pesticides, enhance environmental protection, and maximize use of IPM techniques. IPM consists of the judicious use of both nonchemical and chemical control techniques to reduce pest populations to an acceptable level with minimal environmental contamination. IPM strategies will be stressed in order to comply with pesticide reduction on the installation in accordance with the DoD Pest Management Measures of Merit (MoM) which is located on the Air Force Pest Management Board website at: http://www.afpmb.org/. Details of the IPM strategies for each pest are provided in Annex K.

This pest management plan is designed to prevent pests and disease vectors from adversely impacting Air Force military operations and missions while using environmentally sound techniques to safely and effectively control pests and disease vectors and reduce pollution and other risk factors associated with pesticide use. The plan is tailored to the specific pests of concern and conditions prevalent at the facilities owned and operated by Pittsburgh ARS. The following steps provide the ideal framework for addressing any pest problem in a manner that supports IPM strategies:

• Analyze the pest problem

• Implement short-term corrective action

• Implement long-term corrective action

• Monitor, document, and evaluate results

• Educate base personnel

Anticipated pest problems for the 911th Airlift Wing include the following:

• Mice

• Insects

• Wasps, bees, and hornets

• Weeds

See Section 4, Figure 1 (Workload per Pest).

(b) Mission. The primary mission of the 911th Airlift Wing is to provide air transportation for airborne forces, their equipment, and supplies, with delivery by airdrop, air/land, or extraction using its 8 assigned C-130H “Hercules” cargo/transport aircraft. The mission includes providing medium range movement of personnel, equipment, and supplies (including air evacuation) and organizing and maintaining standards of proficiency to perform the above. The secondary mission is providing for the operation and maintenance of base facilities in support of assigned or attached units.

http://www.afpmb.org/

(c) Installation Description.

(1) Location, Size, and Configuration. Pittsburgh ARS is located in the western portion of

Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, approximately 15 miles west of downtown Pittsburgh in an urban environment within Moon and Findlay Townships. The ARS is situated entirely within Moon Township. The installation encompasses approximately 115 acres (12 owned and 103 leased) in the eastern portion of the Pittsburgh International Airport. The 911th Airlift Wing is the host unit at Pittsburgh ARS. The 911th Airlift Wing also controls 3 acres at a small arms firing range in Clinton, Pennsylvania and operates drop zones in Burgettstown, Pennsylvania and Cadiz, Ohio.

(2) Geology and Topography. Pittsburgh ARS is located in the unglaciated Appalachian

Plateau physiographic province. This province is characterized by nearly level stream valleys with steep side slopes and gently sloping to steep ridge tops. Installation elevations range from 1,147 feet above mean sea level on the parking apron to 1,030 feet at the base’s southeastern boundary. The predominant bedrock consists of shale, siltstone, and sandstone of the Upper Pennsylvania Casselman Formation. The base is underlain by the following lithologic units (in descending order): surface soils, limestone, siltstone, shale, and sandstone. Subsurface sedimentary rocks generally dip to the southwest towards the Ohio River Basin. The natural topography for the vast majority of the base has been reconfigured during development and extensively altered over time. Steep slopes (greater than 10 percent) are scattered throughout the base. Given its topography and soils, Pittsburgh ARS is well drained. Previous studies have revealed that there are no wetlands or 100-year flood plains within the installation.

Since any wooded areas at the base have long since been removed, developed, or affected by adjacent development, there are no unique or sensitive natural or mature wooded areas on base.

The only small wooded area that remains occupies less than 1 acre and is located along the eastern base boundary and the unnamed tributary to McClaren’s Run. This wooded area slopes to the stream bank and is composed of mixed hardwoods, such as oak, maple, and ash. Previous surveys have revealed that there are no known threatened, endangered, or locally rare wildlife species or habitats.

(3) Climate. Pittsburgh ARS is located in an area with a humid, temperate climate, consisting of warm, humid summers and cold winters.

(4) Temperature. The average annual temperature is 52.3 °F. The temperature varies widely throughout the year due to seasonal variations. The relative humidity averages between 78 percent in the morning and 57 percent in the afternoon.

(5) Wind. Winds are predominately from the west to southwest at an average of 9.1 miles per hour.

(6) Precipitation. The annual precipitation averages 36.39 inches and is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. July has the highest amount of rainfall. During winter months approximately one fourth of the precipitation occurs as snow. Snow covers the ground on an average of 33 days per year. Average annual snowfall is approximately 45 inches.

3. RESPONSIBILITIES FOR PEST MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

(a) Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC).

(1) Works in Civil Engineering, to implement and oversee pest management policies and programs for the host AFRC installations.

(2) Reviews installation pest management programs on-site at least every 36 months, to assess the program effectiveness. This is being accomplished every 2 to 3 years, by the AFRC Environmental Safety, Occupational Health & Compliance Assessment Management Program (ESOHCAMP) external inspections.

(3) Coordinates annual review of installation Pest Management Plans, and technical approval by the AFRC Pest Management Consultants, who are DoD certified and recognized by the Armed Forces Pest Management Board (AFPMB).

(4) Certifies only military and DoD civilian pesticide applicators that have met the requirements for certification training. Provides all certified personnel with DD Form 1826, Certificate of Competency, and DD Form 1826-1, Pesticide Applicator.

(5) Helps installations to implement the Integrated Pest Management Information System (IPMIS) pesticide database. Collects monthly IPMIS data reports from the installations, and the annual Measure of Merit data, and forwards this to AFCESA.

(6) Prior to solicitation of Base Operating Services (BOS) contracts which include pest control duties, reviews the Statement of Work and obtains technical approval from the AFRC Pest Management Consultant. Contract requirements are contained in the AFPMB TIM # 39.

(b) Installation Pest Management Coordinator.

(1) Is officially designated by the Base Civil Engineer, and works in conjunction with (or may also be designated as) the Pest Management Quality Assurance Evaluator. Implements and coordinates the installation pest management program. Refer to paragraphs 5 (f) and 5 (g) of this Plan for more information on Records and Training.

(2) Performs an annual review of the installation Pest Management Plan, and prepares an update to the Plan if necessary. This may include changes in facility pest problems, pest management methods, use of pesticides, labels for pesticides, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), pest control contractors, personnel certification, etc.

(3) Notifies HQ AFRC of the Pest Management Plan review actions by the requested date, usually on or about 1 December of each year. Obtains a technical approval from the AFRC Pest Management Consultant (by e-mail via HQ) for all Plan updates. Obtains annual review signatures on the Plan cover sheet from other Base organizations as required. For a faster review, Plan changes should be electronic and color coded or marked whenever possible.

(4) Maintains the IPMIS Web pesticide database at https://web.ipmis-helpdesk.org/ .

Collects and inputs data from all pesticide applications performed on the installation, whether performed in house, or by tenants or contractors. Data input into the IPMIS may be performed by https://web.ipmis-helpdesk.org/ a BOS contractor, provided that the Pest Management Coordinator conducts at least quarterly monitoring to ensure that data entry is done correctly.

(5) Prepares electronic monthly reports, and annual MoM reports, for HQ AFRC using pesticide application data extracted from the IPMIS.

(6) For DoD employees, ensures that only certified personnel, or non-certified but trained personnel that are under direct supervision of a certified applicator, will apply pesticides on the installation. The exception is the Self Help program, which allows certain non-certified personnel to apply designated general use pesticides in discreet circumstances as described in Annex Q.

(7) Ensures that monitoring is performed periodically for pests that damage or destroy property (such as termites, wood rot fungus, etc) and documents any problems in IPMIS. This monitoring may be performed by a certified contractor. Ensures that installation personnel report real property damage caused by pests.

(8) Ensures that pest management programs and facilities comply with all applicable Federal, State, and local laws; DoD instructions; and Air Force requirements. The government is not responsible for pest control contractors’ compliance with OSHA regulations.

(c) Pest Management Quality Assurance Evaluator (QAE).

(1) Works in conjunction with (or may also be designated as) the Installation Pest

Management Coordinator. Acts as a government QA inspector to protect the Air Force interest, through the on-site performance evaluation of commercial pest management contracts, and pesticide application work on the installation. See Annex S for QAE Checklist.

(2) For contractor employees, ensures that only certified personnel will apply pesticides on the installation, and ensures that the contractors are State licensed. DoD Inst 4150.7 prohibits non-certified contractor employees in training from applying pesticides on the installation, regardless of their supervision (no exceptions). State of Pennsylvania Registered Pesticide Application Technicians are not permitted to apply pesticides at Pittsburgh ARS. Only state licensed certified applicators are permitted to apply pesticides. The exception is the Self Help program, which allows certain non-certified personnel to apply designated general use pesticides in discreet circumstances as described in Annex Q.

(3) Prior to solicitation of local (non-BOS) contracts that include pest control duties, reviews the Statement of Work and obtains technical approval from the AFRC Pest Management Consultant. Contract requirements are contained in the AFPMB Technical Information Memo #39.

(4) Ensures that pest management contracts comply with all applicable Federal, State, and local laws, DoDI’s, and Air Force requirements. The government is not responsible for pest control contractors’ compliance with OSHA regulations.

(d) Public Health / Bioenvironmental Engineer (BEE).

(1) Determines the type, source, and prevalence of disease vectors and pests that may affect the health and productivity of installation personnel.

(2) Recommends preventive and control measures for health related pests, and monitors the effectiveness of contractor performed pest management efforts on the installation personnel.

(3) Evaluates potential occupational exposures and the adequacy of exposure control, for protection of installation personnel, through periodic facility visits in those areas where pesticides are applied.

(4) I.A.W Technical Guide Number 37, “Integrated Management of Stray Animals on Military Installations”, Establish an occupational medicine program for all installation personnel who are occupationally exposed to uncontrolled and possibly unvaccinated cats or dogs

5) The Installation Authority will determine program requirements including, but not limited to, pre-employment, pre-exposure and post exposure requirements and periodic monitoring of immunized personnel at a frequency to ensure that protection levels are maintained.

a) When an immunized person is exposed to or has contact with known or suspected rabies-infected animal, the Installation Medical Authority or the individual’s physician will determine what treatment will be provided to the exposed individual.

b) When non-immunized person is exposed to or has contact with a known or suspected rabies-infected animal, post-exposure treatment should be initiated as soon as possible after exposure unless otherwise directed by the Installation Medical Authority or the exposed individual’s physician. Rabies can be a fatal disease if treatment is delayed.

4. PEST MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS AND STRATEGIES FOR APPLICABLE

PEST/DISEASE VECTOR CATEGORIES

The general overall strategy for the treatment of pests at Pittsburgh ARS is to use staged levels of response to control the pest, always using the minimum response necessary. Physical or cultural control measures are emphasized as the preferred methods of control and are applied first. For some pests, all of these methods are used. For others, only one or two of the alternatives may be employed to prove effective. Regardless, chemicals are only used if necessary and are always minimally applied, as required, to control the pest. Integration of these levels of response will result in pest control with minimum impact on the environment.

At Pittsburgh ARS from FY2002-2012 treatment for ants required 11 percent; mice required 4 percent; treatment for unwanted vegetation required 69 percent; treatment of wasps, bees, and hornets required 11 percent; and other insects required 5% of the pest management contractor's time. See Figure 1. Treatment of pests on base will be conducted by DoD-certified government employees and/or by state-certified pesticide applicators from contracted pest control companies using DoD-approved control techniques and approved pesticides as stated in this Pest Management Plan. State of Pennsylvania Registered Pesticide Application Technicians are not permitted to apply pesticides at Pittsburgh ARS. The exception is the Self Help program, which allows certain non-certified personnel to apply designated general use pesticides in circumstances described in Annex Q.

Workload per Pest (FY2002-2012) – Figure 1

The following sections discuss the specific pests and control strategies associated with each of the general categories of pests for Pittsburgh ARS.

(a) Disease Vectors and Other Health-related Pests.

(1) Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) are a minor seasonal pest group at Pittsburgh

ARS and have not required fogging. Viruses that may potentially be transmitted by species found at Pittsburgh ARS are Eastern Equine Encephalitis and West Nile Virus. Light traps are used for monitoring purposes. Presently, the long-term strategy is to maintain control primarily through the use of wire screening to exclude this pest from areas where personnel live and work and by ensuring that, if possible, any areas of standing water are filled in. The breeding grounds for the small numbers of mosquitoes that do exist on base are probably located either in water that has gathered from rains in artificial containers on base or in the vicinity of the unnamed tributary near McClaren’s Run on the eastern base boundary that constitutes the main source of surface water on base. At some time in the future, indications may be that mosquitoes carrying arboviruses could be present in the vicinity of Pittsburgh ARS. At that time, fogging or other additional control strategies may need to be employed. See Annex R for information on surveillance of mosquitoes and dead birds for West Nile virus.

(2) Although spiders in general are not a known problem at Pittsburgh ARS, black widow spiders (Latrodectus mactans) might be found in undisturbed places in warehouses, ammunition storage areas, and in and around other buildings. Caution should be exercised in areas of this type.

(3) Flies (primarily Diptera: Muscidae, Sarcophagidae, and Calliphoridae) are a minor problem at the food service facilities on base, including the Club Cargo Bay, the Perksburgh Cafe, and the Dining Hall. Normally, infestations are noted during periodic monitoring by the pest management contractor. Occasionally, base personnel report these pests. Non-chemical methods of control such as good sanitation practices, air curtains, and exclusion (by screening and/or use of air conditioning) from small access points are preferentially used and generally effective for this pest. If required, baits are used outside these buildings as a control measure as specified in Annex K. For fruit flies inside buildings, non-toxic baits as specified in Annex K, can be used.

(4) Wasps (Polistes sp.) are occasionally found on the installation and at the small arms firing range in Clinton, Pennsylvania. Wasp stings are painful and cause allergic reactions in some people. These insects are a minor problem. After evaluating the infestation site, control of the wasps may be achieved either by spraying them with a nonregulated surfactant and water solution, or one of the other pesticides specified in Annex K.

(5) Honey bee (Apis mellifera) swarms have been found on the installation but pose a minor problem. Bees create a slight threat to personnel and have infested stationary aircraft from time to time. The stings are painful and cause allergic reactions in some people. The pest management contractor first monitors the site and determines the most effective course of action.

Generally, small swarms either leave on their own or are relocated using local resources. In the past, large swarms have been removed by a local beekeeper. Ultimately, if necessary, they can be controlled using pesticides specified in Annex K, which allow effective control with minimal amounts of insecticide through application to localized areas where swarms are present. Bees not directly affecting the mission are left undisturbed unless they pose a potential hazard.

(b) General Household and Nuisance Pests. Crawling insects (ants, cockroaches, ticks, crickets, millipedes, and clover mites) may require control in and around billets, food service facilities, warehouses, offices, and other administrative buildings. Ants make up approximately 11 percent of the pest management workload. The remainder of the pests in the Household and

Nuisance Pest category constitutes minor pest problems on the installation. Monthly monitoring of the food service areas is performed by the pest management contractor. For other locations, personnel working in the area usually sight and report the pests. Once reported, appropriate action is taken by the pest management contractor.

The long-term strategy consists of prevention of ant infestations through structural modifications and good sanitation practices. Structural modifications undertaken to restrict access for these pests are relatively minor and consist of the elimination of insect-accessible openings. These areas may be closed off by caulking (or filling with other materials) minor cracks and crevices, by patching holes in walls and floors, and by screening where appropriate.

The short-term strategies such as good sanitation practices include, but are not limited to, reduction of food for ants (1) by cleaning up spilled food from work surfaces, walls, and floors;

(2) by washing dirty dishes and cooking containers following use; and (3) by not leaving exposed food in the facility overnight. Food is kept in sealed containers when not in use. In food storage areas, high standards of cleanliness are required. For large infestations, the use of a pesticide approved for use in this type of area may be necessary to control the pest.

(c) Real Property Pests. Eastern Subterranean termites (Reticulitermes flavipes) have not been reported as a pest at Pittsburgh. Carpenter ants (Camponotus pennsylvanicus) have been reported as a pest at Pittsburgh. Preventive measures include removal of wood-based waste from around buildings and in crawl spaces. Termite inspections are conducted annually to detect any infestation in the wooden structures on the base. Should evidence of an infestation be detected, immediate reporting and treatment is undertaken. Post-detection treatment is contracted by a pest control contractor with state certified pesticide applicators. The contracted company is required to use Air Force-approved methods and insecticides.

(d) Weed Control. Much of the pest management contractor’s pest control activities are focused on broadleaf weeds, including dandelions (Taraxacum officinale) and other unwanted vegetation growing on the base lawns, on the aircraft ramp area, along fence lines, around building perimeters, on the petroleum, oil, and lubricants (POL) site, at the off-base firing range, on road shoulders, on other paved surfaces, and in ornamental rock areas. To the maximum extent feasible, in cooperation with Grounds Maintenance (operating under Civil Engineering), this unwanted vegetation is nonchemically controlled, depending on the area, by mowing, good practice application of weed and feed, weed trimmers, manual pulling, use of appropriate seed type for reseeding efforts, and so on. Once these methods have been exhausted, or in conjunction with these methods, application of weed-specific or broad-spectrum herbicides may be required.

For several areas, such as the aircraft ramp, the use of herbicides may be the only effective means of controlling the unwanted vegetation.

(e) Stored Product Pests. Insects such as beetles and moths that infest stored products have not been reported as a pest problem at Pittsburgh ARS.

(f) Ornamental Plant and Turf Pests. Bag worms (Lepidoptera: Psychidae) and tent caterpillars (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae) are pests that fall under this category. Normally, the Roads and Grounds personnel notify the pest management contractor of these pests. After surveillance of the site is performed, appropriate response is employed. If the numbers are small, manual removal of the pests may be appropriate. Larger numbers of these pests may require pesticide application to effectively control them. In all cases, appropriate DoD pest control practices are employed. As in all IPM strategies, the use of pesticides serves as a last resort.

(g) Natural Resource Pests. No problems are encountered with these pests.

(h) Golf Course Pests. No golf course exists at Pittsburgh ARS.

(i) Miscellaneous Pests. No other insect pests have been reported as problems at Pittsburgh

ARS.

(j) Vertebrate Pests. Multiple vertebrate pests, as noted on Figure 1, are present at Pittsburgh ARS. Mice and ground hogs require the most time to control. Birds are also a nuisance but require less than one percent of the pest management contractor’s time. IPM strategies for control of these pests are detailed below.

(1) Mice (Mus musculus and Peromyscus leucopus) occasionally invade the barracks, the boiler room, and the food service areas in the Club Cargo Bay and in the Dining Hall. As would be expected, the structures that are adjacent to open fields are more likely to be subject to mouse infestations. After receiving reports of rodents, the pest management contractor performs surveillance of the site and implements appropriate control procedures. Non-chemical control methods such as the use of glue boards, snap traps, and exclusion have been used effectively to control the mice. These same control methods would prove equally effective against rats should the need arise. Areas that attract rats and mice are regularly cleaned, and rodent proofing is accomplished by installing screens and barriers to keep them out. As a last resort, a rodenticide appropriate for the area of infestation may be applied. Ground hogs (Marmota monax) are also found on base. The most effective means of control for this pest is the use of Con-a-Bear choke traps.

(2) Snakes have not been reported as a pest at Pittsburgh ARS. However, it is possible that indigenous snakes will be found on the installation. Care should always be taken around snakes as even nonvenomous snakes may bite and their bite may be painful. Snakes found in areas where they are not wanted (for example, under buildings) should be reported. The pest management contractor, after appropriate surveillance, should capture the snake alive, if possible, and relocate it to a remote area on the post.

(3) Raccoons (Procyon lotor) occasionally invade the garbage dumpsters and need to be controlled. The pest management contractor responds to reports of activities by these animals.

Due to the rabies threat in the vicinity of Pittsburgh, the Game Warden has directed that these animals be humanely disposed of after trapping.

(4) Birds on and around the Pittsburgh ARS property present an aircraft strike hazard.

The 911th Airlift Wing does not control the airfield at Pittsburgh International Airport. Because of this, and in accordance with Annex C of the 911th Airlift Wing Bird Aircraft Strike Hazard (BASH) Reduction Plan (1 March 2000), no direct control measures are implemented. The civilian management of the airfield implements a Wildlife Hazard Reduction Plan and is responsible for minimizing this threat.

The pest management contractor does manage birds that create a nuisance while trying to roost in the hangars controlled by the 911th Airlift Wing. The pest management contractor responds to complaints about birds from hangar personnel. Visual surveillance is used to determine the extent of the problem. The first response is to ensure that all possible methods are used to exclude the birds from the hangars. This may involve surveying the hangars for holes or other access points that require screening and reminding personnel of the value of keeping hangar doors closed as much as possible. If implementation of these items is not effective, starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) and other small birds may be netted to remove them from the hangar. Pigeons (Columba livia) in the hangars are controlled, usually on an annual basis, with a pump pellet gun. Coordinate this effort with Security Forces.

(k) Other Pest Management Requirements.

(1) The pest management contractor is responsible, as necessary, for removal of vertebrate remains after pesticide treatment has been completed. In addition, the pest management contractor provides services for odor control in buildings and other structures on the installation. Odors may arise from dead animals in walls, crawl spaces, and other areas; decaying vegetation, molds, and fungi; or other sources.

(2) Pest management personnel frequently engage in base surveys. Constant observation is made for raccoons, ground hogs, and any other occurrence of pests that may be out of the ordinary.

(3) Preventive action for insects and rodents consists of reducing the attraction of these pests by minimizing food sources and access. The following prevention techniques will be accomplished to deter infestations of these pests:

• Proper solid waste management, especially within food service and lodging facilities

• Elimination of unnecessary debris within and around the exterior of facilities

• Maintenance of adequate sanitation through recurring housekeeping

• Sealing of pest entryways, when it is possible to identify an entryway for a particular pest

• Applications of pesticides to cracks and crevices

(4) Change in Pesticide Quantity Applied. Program evaluation based on the quantity of pesticide active ingredient applied corresponds to the Air Force MoM requiring efforts to reduce pesticide applications. Since 1993, the Air Force had a goal of 50 percent reduction in pounds of active ingredient applied by the end of fiscal year (FY) 2000, based on an FY 1993 baseline. In July2004, this MoM goal was changed to: "Through the end of FY2010, DoD will maintain the achieved reduction in annual pesticide use on DoD installations. This reduction goal is set at an average of the FY 2002 and 2003 usage, which is 389,000 pounds of active ingredient (45% of the original 1993 baseline- a 55% reduction). Pesticide applications by contractors shall be included." In Nov2012, this MoM goal was changed to: “All DoD installations will adhere to the principals of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and the DoD will maintain the goal of minimizing annual pesticide use by both government and contractor pesticide applicators on its installations. This goal is set at 425,000 PAI, the DoD’s average annual usage for FY2007-2009 and an overall 52% reduction from the original FY93 baseline.” The records available for Pittsburgh ARS include the following applications in pounds of active ingredients for the period

FY 1993 - 1997, 2001 - 2014:

Table 1: Pesticide Application Trends FY 1993-2013

Fiscal Year Total (pounds) 1993 340 1994 210 1995 255 1996 181 1997 172 2001 29 2002 27 2003 90 2004 91 2005 202 2006 111 2007 109 2008 118 2009 138 2010 110 2011 63 2012 165 2013 33 2014 81

* Data was unavailable for FY 1998 - FY 2000.

Pesticide application data was inadvertently destroyed for FY 1998-2000. The MoM goal for Pittsburgh ARS from FY04-12 was 153 PAI, which was based on a 55% reduction from 1993. It was unrealistic to use 2002 data in making this determination, since this installation did not apply herbicides in 2002.

DoD’s FY13 MoM goal is currently set at the average annual usage DoD wide for FY2007-2009, and an overall 52% reduction from the FY93 baseline. The average annual usage for Pittsburgh ARS from FY2007-2009 is 122 PAI; a 52% reduction from Pittsburgh ARS’s FY93 baseline is 163 PAI. The average pesticide usage for Pittsburgh ARS the past 10 years (FY03-12) is 120 PAI, so using 122 PAI as the current target MoM goal for Pittsburgh ARS is realistic. While the overall goal is to use pesticides only when necessary, it’s expected that usage rates will vary from year to year to meet health, safety, or environmental requirements.

The largest contributor of PAI usage at Pittsburgh ARS from FY03-14 was herbicides, which contributed to 97% of the total PAI usage, with the remaining 3% from usage of insecticides, miticides, fungicides, and rodenticides. Herbicide treatments on the base lawns for broadleaf weeds from FY03-14 accounted for 73% of the total PAI usage.

5. ADMINISTRATION

(a) Work Orders. The pest management contractor investigates complaints relayed to the Civil Engineering help desk (See Annex F). The Pest Control Supervisor tracks all work reported on Form 4287 and bills the appropriate customers, using Inter-Service Support Agreement accounts, accordingly.

The pest management contractor is responsible for checking with the Civil Engineering help desk or the pest management point of contact for pest complaints or work orders that need to be completed.

(b) Contracts. Management of the pests described in Section 4 (Pest Management Requirements and Strategies for Applicable Pest/Disease Vector Categories) may fall under one or more separate contracts. Each contractor is responsible for the pests in the associated categories in Section 4 that would reasonably fall under their contract, e.g. the pest management contractor would be responsible for the pests under category 4 (d) and the termite contractor would be responsible for the pests under 4 (c). Annex G contains excerpts from the A76 Privatization document as it relates to pest management.

(1) The QAE for any pest management contract(s) should be trained in the EPA categories for which pest control work is performed on the installation, if it is determined that the total contract time spent on pest management is greater than 0.25 man-year per year. The goal of quality management of the pest control contract(s) recommends that QAEs receive some introductory training regarding pest management activities even if the total contract time spent on pest management is less than 0.25 man-year per year.

(2) A written quality assurance surveillance plan (See Annex S) was developed to evaluate work being performed by the contractor.

(c) Inter-Service Support Agreements. There are no pest management services provided to other activities on base.

(d) Agricultural Outleases. No agricultural outleases exist at Pittsburgh ARS.

(e) Resources (Current and Proposed).

(1) Funding. Pest Management operations are handled by the BOS contractor, costs for which are reimbursed by the government.

(2) Staffing. The following personnel are involved with pest management at Pittsburgh

ARS:

A. The pest management contractor.

B. Installation Pest Management Coordinator (Pest Control Supervisor).

C. Preventive medicine specialists (Bioenvironmental/Public Health).

D. Quality Assurance representative

(3) Materials and Facilities. The government furnishes no materials, buildings, or equipment to the pest management contractor(s). The inventory of pesticides used at Pittsburgh ARS is available from the pest control contractor through the pest management coordinator. An updated pesticide inventory from the contractor will be included in the plan's annual update.

(4) Facilities (Mixing and Storage Sites). All pesticides used on the installation are stored and mixed off base at the contractor’s facilities, with the exception of the general use pesticides that are used on base as a part of the Self Help program as described in Annex Q. These Self Help program pesticides are stored in a designated area within Bldg. 342.

(f) Reports and Records.

(1) The Pest Management Coordinator, or a designated BOS contractor, shall be responsible for collecting and reporting the pesticide data listed below to the Pest Management Coordinator and BEE. This data shall be obtained from pest control contractors, landscape or grounds contractors, as well as tenant organizations and their contractors. This data shall provide a historical record of pest management operations for each building, facility, or outdoor area.

• Name of certified applicator

• Contractor business name

• Date of application

• Duration (hours) of each task

• Building or facility treated

• Room # or specific location

• Target pest to be controlled

• Pesticide applied, EPA number, and quantity (undiluted)

• Active ingredient in percent and pounds

• SDS and product labels for each pesticide used

• Task location - indoor or outdoor

• Reason for pesticide application

• Type of pesticide operation

• Site name

• Total units treated (acres, ft3, each, linear feet, square feet)

• Weather (Environmental) Information [temperature (degrees Fahrenheit), wind speed (miles per hour), and wind direction (degrees)] – Reported for outdoor applications only

(2) After each pesticide application, the data listed above shall be entered into the IPMIS Web pesticide database at https://web.ipmis-helpdesk.org/, which is an internet based reporting tool for Integrated Pest Management data tracking and reporting of all pest management activities including pesticide usage on installations. This website includes a User Guide for using the IPMIS. In addition, there is a Support Center for submitting tickets to the Land Logics Group for IPMIS problems. All data and reports shall be retained indefinitely.

(3) The Pest Management Coordinator shall generate a monthly IPMIS report that includes all pesticide inventory, applicator certification data, and application data for all pest https://web.ipmis-helpdesk.org/ control operations on Air Force real property. This IPMIS report shall be forwarded via e-mail to HQ AFRC on a monthly basis. IPMIS reports are due from the Pest Management Coordinator to HQ by the 10th of the month following the end of each calendar month. The BOS contractor shall submit the required IPMIS pesticide application data to the Pest Management Coordinator and the Public Health Officer by the 7th of the month following the month of application to satisfy these reporting requirements.

(4) The Pest Management Coordinator shall submit an annual MoM report to HQ AFRC by the requested date, on or about 1December of each year. This report documents achievement of the Air Force MoM in the preceding fiscal year that ended on 30 September. This includes status of Pest Management Plan reviews, status of reductions in the applied quantities of pesticide active ingredients, and status of certification training of installation pesticide applicators (if any).

(g) Training.

(1) All DoD or contractor personnel who apply restricted-use pesticides on the installation shall be trained and certified in accordance with the DoD or State requirements. DoD personnel only (not contractor employees) who are in apprenticeship training, for a period not to exceed 2 years, but are not yet certified, may be allowed to apply pesticides, but only under the direct (line of sight) supervision of a certified pesticide applicator. The Pest Management Coordinator shall be DoD certified only if his job requires him to apply pesticides or to directly (line of sight) supervise the application of pesticides by others.

(2) If needed, the Pest Management Coordinator shall schedule certification or refresher training that is available from DoD approved schools. Current training opportunities are listed at the www.afpmb.org website. Pesticide applicator certifications will expire after 3 years. Re-certification documentation shall be requested from HQ AFRC upon completion of training.

(3) The Pest Management QAE shall be DoD or State certified as a pesticide applicator only if total pesticide applications under the BOS contracts are greater than 0.25 man-years.

Pittsburgh ARB does not exceed this threshold, so QAE certification training is not required.

(4) Even if not required by their job, DoD sponsored Pest Management training (3 or 4 day course) is highly recommended by the Air Force, to enhance the job effectiveness of the Pest Management Coordinator or the Pest Management QAE. However, official DoD certification would not be required in this case.

(5) Commercial pesticide applicators working under contract must be licensed by the State of Pennsylvania for the type of pest control applications they perform. Only Certified Applicators can apply pesticides at Pittsburgh ARS. State of Pennsylvania Registered Pesticide Application Technicians are not permitted to apply pesticides at Pittsburgh ARS. Annex P contains the state licenses for the pest control applicators for the current contract in effect at the time this Plan was prepared. A copy of the current license for each contractor shall be obtained by the QAE and maintained with the Pest Management Plan.

(6) Formal education and awareness activities are not scheduled to be conducted. Efforts to educate base personnel on the factors that contribute to attraction of pests, will consist of informal communication of suggested improvements related to specific cases of pest infestations.

Any awareness efforts conducted will be case-specific education targeted at facilities that annually have the greatest frequency of pest problems.

(h) Coordination with Food Managers, Maintenance Personnel, etc. Pittsburgh ARS maintains three food service facilities: the Club Cargo Bay, the Perksburgh Cafe, and the Dining Hall. The pest management contractor coordinates with these food service facilities to provide monitoring and service calls to control pests.

(i) Termite Inspection Plan. The lack of termite control problems eliminates the need for a Termite Inspection Plan at Pittsburgh ARS. However, on a daily basis, the pest management contractor remains vigilant for signs of termite activity while conducting other pest management activities throughout the installation. Additionally, a dedicated annual inspection is performed to verify that termites are not active in any of the wooden structures on base.

(j) Identifying Pests. Pest specimens can be sent to this organization for identification:

USAFSAM/PHR (Attn: Entomology), Attn: Will Reeves 2510 5th Street Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433

Telephone Number: 937-938-4129

DSN: (312)-798-4129

(k) Good Housekeeping Practices The installation pest management supervisor, facility managers, and building occupants cooperate on integrated pest management practices to keep pests under control without using pesticides.