PA Conducting Spotted Lanternfly Site Inspections & Expanding Quarantine Area

On February 25, the state Department of Agriculture added Butler, Clearfield, Clinton, Fayette, Lawrence, and Somerset counties to the quarantine area for the spotted lanternfly. Click here for more information. Businesses that operate in or travel through quarantined counties are required to obtain a spotted lanternfly permit. Click here for information on who needs a permit and how to get one.

The PPA was recently made aware that the Department of Agriculture is conducting compliance inspections of companies with spotted lanternfly permits to make sure all requirements are being met.  The focus is on an audit of the required records. The Department has indicated to the PPA that the goal of the inspections is to help businesses meet the compliance requirements. Any penalties would be reserved for companies that are maliciously or wantonly disregarding the compliance requirements.

The Department of Agriculture can impose criminal (up to 90 days imprisonment and a fine of up to $300) and civil (up to $20,000) penalties for not complying with the quarantine requirements. Click here for more information on penalties.

The PPA previously hosted a webinar wit the PA Department of Agriculture on Spotted Lanternfly Permits and compliance. A copy of the webinar can be found here.