Spotted Lanternfly Quarantines
The Spotted Lanternfly, an invasive species of insect from Asia, is threatening agriculture in the greater Philadelphia area and the surrounding states of New York, Delaware, Virginia and New Jersey. This insect thrives on grape vines, hops, many ornamental landscaping trees, and vegetables, and is poised to wreak economic havoc on industries dependent on these products. Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey have quarantines in effect, and everyone's help is needed to stop the insect's spread.
Permits Required to Operate in Quarantined Areas
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture requires a permit for all persons or businesses owning commercial vehicles operating in or taking freight out of quarantined areas in Pennsylvania.
The permit process requires vehicle owners to comply with certain criteria, including completing free training provided by the department, and assuming responsibility for training drivers. The training will help you and your drivers identify the insect in all its life stages, so that you can ensure you do not inadvertently transport the Spotted Lanternfly out of the quarantine area and spread the infestation.
Once training is completed, you will receive a permit that must be displayed on your truck. Fines for noncompliance can reach as high as $20,000 in Pennsylvania.
While Pennsylvania has the largest infestation of this insect, other states are actively developing similar legislation and requirements. Once your fleet has completed training and received a permit, the permit will satisfy the requirements of other states through reciprocity. Enforcement in Pennsylvania will start on May 1, so your prompt attention is required.
You can learn more about the spotted lanternfly on the following website:
https://www.agriculture.pa.gov/Plants_Land_Water/PlantIndustry/Entomology/spotted_lanternfly/Pages/default.aspx
The Spotted Lanternfly, an invasive species of insect from Asia, is threatening agriculture in the greater Philadelphia area and the surrounding states of New York, Delaware, Virginia and New Jersey. This insect thrives on grape vines, hops, many ornamental landscaping trees, and vegetables, and is poised to wreak economic havoc on industries dependent on these products. Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey have quarantines in effect, and everyone's help is needed to stop the insect's spread.
Permits Required to Operate in Quarantined Areas
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture requires a permit for all persons or businesses owning commercial vehicles operating in or taking freight out of quarantined areas in Pennsylvania.
The permit process requires vehicle owners to comply with certain criteria, including completing free training provided by the department, and assuming responsibility for training drivers. The training will help you and your drivers identify the insect in all its life stages, so that you can ensure you do not inadvertently transport the Spotted Lanternfly out of the quarantine area and spread the infestation.
Once training is completed, you will receive a permit that must be displayed on your truck. Fines for noncompliance can reach as high as $20,000 in Pennsylvania.
While Pennsylvania has the largest infestation of this insect, other states are actively developing similar legislation and requirements. Once your fleet has completed training and received a permit, the permit will satisfy the requirements of other states through reciprocity. Enforcement in Pennsylvania will start on May 1, so your prompt attention is required.
You can learn more about the spotted lanternfly on the following website:
https://www.agriculture.pa.gov/Plants_Land_Water/PlantIndustry/Entomology/spotted_lanternfly/Pages/default.aspx
