Forests, transport corridors, dikes and dams

The use of pesticides in forest settings is fairly sparse due to the Sustainable Forest Management Strategy , whose purpose is to eliminate chemical pesticides in public forests. Pesticides in this sector are mainly insecticides, used to control forest pests, and herbicides, used to promote the growth of saplings.

For road, rail and energy corridors, the primary pesticides are herbicides used for the control of vegetation.

If your company uses pesticides for forest area applications, you will need a C7 or D7 “Application in forest areas” permit except if your operation has fewer than 10 employees, not counting management.
If you spray pesticides in forest areas, ensure that you hold the required certificate or are working under the supervision of an on-site certificate holder:

• “Application in forest areas” (subclass CD7);
• “Certificate for Forest Producer” or Holder of a forest application permit (subclasses F1 and F1.1);
• “Certificate for Forest Producer or Holder of a forest application permit for Class 3 pesticides” (subclass F1.1);
• “Forest Producer’s Certificate” (subclass F2).

Also required:

• Equip the sprayer with a device that prevents spillage if the sprayer tank holds 200 liters or more of pesticide;
• Mark the boundaries of application areas prior to pesticide application;
• Post a sign at the point of access of each passable road leading into the area to be treated. Here is an example of a (PDF 558 Kb) sign (PDF 558 Kb);
• Publish a message describing the work to be carried out in a newspaper circulated in the territory where the work will be carried out or broadcast the message on a radio or television station in that territory from one to three weeks prior to the start of spraying if you operate a forestry business in a public forest or are a forest owner who intends to apply pesticides over an area greater than 100 hectares in a single administrative region in a single year;
• Comply with the distancing parameters for sensitive environments listed in the Pesticides Management Code  and in this distancing table (PDF 295 Kb).

If your company applies pesticides in highway, rail or energy transportation/transmission corridors it must hold an “Application on Raw Land” subclass C3 or D3 permit.

If you apply pesticides in highway, rail or energy transportation/transmission corridors you must hold an “Application on Raw Land” subclass C3 or D3 permit or work under the on-site supervision of a holder of this type of permit.

The following is required:

• If application is made in a power transmission corridor, equip the sprayers that hold at least 200 litres of pesticide with a device that prevents spillage
• Mark the application boundaries prior to the start of work;
• Comply with the distancing parameters for sensitive environments listed in the Pesticides Management Code  and in this distancing table (PDF 295 Kb).

If you are the owner or operator of a transportation/transmission corridor, the following is required:

• Publish a message describing the work to be carried out in a newspaper circulated in the territory where the work will be carried out or broadcast the message on a radio or television station in that territory from one to three weeks prior to the start of work;
• Inform the appropriate regional office of the Ministère de l’Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs and the municipality or RCM at least 21 days prior to the start of work; 
• Keep a register of work performed for five years.

A number of municipalities regulate the use of pesticides in power transmission corridors within their boundaries. Familiarize yourself with regulations prior to the start of any work.

If your company performs aerial pesticide spraying, you need to hold a subclass C1 or D1 Aerial Application permit.

If you perform aerial pesticide spraying you need hold a subclass C1 or D1 Aerial Application permit or be supervised by an on-site holder of the permit.

Specific environmental protection framework procedures

Aerial spraying of pesticides in these settings is regulated to ensure that all necessary measures have been taken to minimise environmental impact and that their use is necessary in the target locations.

You will require authorization from the Ministère de l’Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs (MELCCFP) prior to the application of pesticides in these settings, except for phytocides and/or Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk). The Application for a Ministerial Authorization for the Use of Pesticides guide (PDF 1.76 Mb)  (French) will assist you in completing the form required to carry out an activity as part of a new project or the modification of an existing‑project.

When the area to be treated exceeds 600 hectares in these settings, aerial pesticide application projects are subject to the environmental impact assessment and review procedure , which includes an impact study and potential public hearings. The procedure is not usually applicable to Btk or to Bacillus thuringiensis v. israelensis (Bti).

Application rules

• Mark the boundaries of the application areas or use air corridor guidance prior to pesticide application;
• The pilot or application supervisor must have a map or aerial photograph at hand that identifies permitted and prohibited application zones extending to 300 metres around the spraying area;
• Post a sign at the point of access of each passable road leading into the forest area to be treated prior to the start of work except when spraying insecticides. Here is an example of a sign (PDF 558 Kb);
• Publish a message announcing application of pesticides in a newspaper circulated in the territory where the work will be carried out or broadcast the message on a radio or television station in that territory from one to three weeks prior to the start of spraying in a transportation corridor or on more than 100 hectares of public forests in a single administrative region in a single year;
• Comply with the distancing parameters for sensitive environments listed in the Pesticides Management Code  and in this distancing table (PDF 293 Kb).

If you plan to apply or subcontract the application of a phytocide or Btk, you need to:

• Inform the appropriate regional office of the MELCCFP and the municipality or RCM at least 21 days prior to the start of work;
• Keep a register of work performed for five years
• Forward a completion of work report to the regional office of the MELCC no later than two months from the end of work.

If you plan to apply phytocides on a dam, dike or around a power station, or to subcontract the work, be sure to:

• Inform the appropriate regional office of the MELCCFP and the municipality or RCM at least 21 days prior to the start of work;
• Post a sign at the point of access of each public access to the area prior to the pesticide application. Here is an example of a (PDF 557 Kb) sign (PDF 557 Kb).

Read the Pesticides Manage Code Reference Guide (PDF 7.91 Mb) (French only) to learn what information is required for the public message and signage.

Permit holders must keep and retain a register of pesticide purchases, sales and utilization. Based on the type of permit, the modèle de registre d’achat et d’utilisation de pesticides – permis de catégorie (DOC 0.90 Mb) C (DOC 0.90 Mb) template or modèle de registre d’achat et d’utilisation de pesticides – permis de catégorie (DOC 555 Kb) D (DOC 555 Kb) template may be used. Ensute that all by-laws of Québec municipalities that regulate the use of pesticides are complied with.

Commercial pesticide application

Permits and certificates

Pesticide storage

Guide de référence – Pesticides Management Code (PDF 7.91 Mb) (French only)