PSD Rules and Regulations

R3-4-239. Imported Fire Ants

A. Definitions.
"Pest" means any species of imported fire ants, including Solenopsis invicta and Solenopsis richteri.
B. Area under quarantine. A state or portion of a state listed in 7 CFR 301.81-3, 68 FR 5794, February 5, 2003, and any area a state declares infested. This material is incorporated by reference, on file with the Department and the Office of the Secretary State, and does not include any later amendments or editions.
C. Regulated commodities.
1. Soil, except potting soil shipped in an original container in which the potting soil is packaged after commercial preparation; and
2. All plants associated with soil, except:
a. Plants that are maintained indoors year-round, and are not for sale; and
b. Plants shipped bare-root and free of soil.
D. Restrictions.
1. A shipper of a regulated commodity shall unload a regulated commodity at destination into an approved quarantine holding area as prescribed in subsection (D)(2). The Department shall inspect and quarantine the regulated commodity as follows:
a. Soil and plants associated with soil from an area under quarantine in subsection (B) shall be held at least three consecutive days, and
b. Soil and plants associated with soil from an area under quarantine for nematodes under R3-4-234(B) shall be held at least five consecutive days.
2. An Arizona receiver of a regulated commodity shall establish a Department-approved quarantine holding area that meets the following specifications:
a. The floor is of a permeable surface, such as sand or soil, and free from debris, grass, or weeds;
b. The area is isolated from public access, surrounded by a fence or other barrier;
c. The integrity and security of the area is maintained at all times; and
d. If outdoors, the area is at least 15 feet from any masonry wall, property boundary, or non-quarantine plant.
3. A receiver shall apply a pesticide or other chemical to a regulated commodity located in a quarantine holding area only when directed and supervised by a Department inspector.
E. Disposition of commodity not in compliance. A regulated commodity shipped into Arizona in violation of this Section shall be destroyed or transported out-of-state by the owner and at the owner's expense.