Project Description

The intern will use data analysis and visualization skills to develop a new version of a national database. Initially, the intern will compare contents of the existing database with the revised requirements stated in the Certified Pesticide Applicator (CPA) regulation at 40 CFR §171.303.

After an initial assessment, the intern will start the development process by planning and visualizing how best to incorporate the changes. The intern will work with EPA staff to finalize the results which then they will use to develop a prototype. By helping EPA update this database, the intern will help EPA track and report on a national program.

EPA registers pesticides based on an evaluation of scientific data and assessment of the risks and benefits of a product’s use. During the registration process, EPA classifies pesticides as RUPs when a product, or its uses, have the potential to cause unreasonable adverse effects to the environment and injury to applicators or bystanders without added restrictions. RUPs are available only to persons who are certified applicators, or someone under a certified applicator’s direct supervision, not the general public. Persons who want to be certified applicators must demonstrate competency in the proper use and application of RUPs.

By law, all state governments, territories and Tribes that want to certify pesticide applicators must have an EPA-approved Certification Plan (CP). The database houses CPs according to the federal regulation, CPA regulation at 40 CFR Part 171. In 2017, EPA revised the regulation and along with it, the requirements for CPs. EPA is updating the database to align with the revised regulation.

Required Skills or Interests

Additional Information

https://cpardpub.epa.gov