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EPA begins enforcing NPDES permit requirements for pesticides
Story Date: 3/7/2012
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Source: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF STATE DEPARTMENTS OF AGRICULTURE, 3/6/12
EPA's phase-in of NPDES permit requirements for aquatic pesticide applications hit an important milestone last week, with the agency beginning enforcement of the requirements March 1. Pesticide applicators have been required to meet the stipulations of EPA's permit since October 31 of last year. However, EPA did not mandate certain reporting requirements until January of this year. Additionally, for the first 120 days the permit was active, EPA focused its attention on education and outreach, instead of enforcement.
Despite the court decision which required these permits becoming effective October 31, a handful of states have yet to finalize permits. Additionally, a number of mosquito control districts in California have reported problems with the permit requirements in recent weeks.
Efforts in Congress to enact HR 872 which would essentially undo the court's decision have slowed in the Senate following Sens. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Ben Cardin (D-MD) placing a hold on the legislation.
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