CT HB05219

Railroad companies must provide notice to the Department of Transportation and municipal officials at least 21 days before applying pesticides to railroad rights-of-way.

Each railroad company must file an annual vegetation management plan by February 1st identifying target vegetation, management methods, equipment, application timing, and qualifications of plan developers.

Railroad companies must develop a yearly operational plan with 45-day public comment period that includes maps of sensitive areas, EPA registration numbers for herbicides, application rates, contractor information, and herbicide fact sheets.

Herbicide applications are prohibited within specified distances from water sources, wetlands, vernal pools, private wells, inhabited areas, and agricultural areas, with some restrictions allowing reapplication after 12-24 months using low-pressure selective methods.

Railroads cannot apply herbicides above minimum labeled rates, during windy conditions or precipitation, if herbicides are identified as groundwater contaminants, or on vegetation over 12 feet tall except for side trimming.