Purpose

The purpose of 333 CMR 11.00 is to establish a statewide and uniform regulatory process which will minimize the uses of, and potential impacts from herbicides in rights-of-way on human health and the environment while allowing for the benefits to public safety provided by the selective use of herbicides. Specific goals of 333 CMR 11.00 are to: (1) Ensure that an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach to vegetation management is utilized on all rights-of-way covered by 333 CMR 11.00. (2) Establish standards, requirements and procedures necessary to prevent unreasonable risks to humans or the environment, taking into account the economic, social and environmental costs and benefits of the use of any pesticide. (3) Ensure ample opportunity for public and municipal agency input on potential impacts of herbicide application to rights-of-way in environmentally sensitive areas. (4) Establish a mechanism for public and municipal review of rights-of-way maintenance plans.