Welcome to the State Water Resources Control Board Welcome to the California Environmental Protection Agency
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)

AQUATIC PESTICIDES

According to the Ninth Circuit Court, the application of pesticides into waters of the United States, or onto aquatic plants growing in waters of the United States, results in discharges of pollutants and requires coverage under a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. Below are links to the two current Statewide General NPDES Permits, as well as the permit that previously regulated these discharges.  Additionally, there is information regarding the State Water Resources Control Board's interpretation on the regulatory requirements and the current fee schedule.


Current Permits

News

  • U.S. EPA Final Rule (1/02/07)

On November 20, 2006, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued its final rule on aquatic pesticides. This rule would eliminate the need for a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit for the application of pesticides to waters, if the application is made in accordance with Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) labels.

The aquatic pesticide permits will remain in effect as NPDES permits. Dischargers who wish to terminate coverage must submit a Notice of Termination (NOT).

Archives

  • Department of Fish and Game Silver King Creek Rotenone Project (7/13/05)

Contact Information