National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
PESTICIDE PERMITS
According to the Sixth Circuit Court, the application of pesticides at, near, or over waters of the United States that results in discharges of pollutants requires coverage under a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. In response to the Sixth Circuit Court’s decisions and previous decisions by other courts on pesticide regulation, the State Water Board has adopted four Pesticide Permits. Below are links to the Pesticide Permits; current fee schedules; NOIs, PAPs, and NOTs; the Sixth Circuit Court decisions; etc
- New Hot Topic! – Draft Amendment Vector Control Permit (posted 2/8/12)
- Fees | NOIs, PAPs, and NOTs | News | SFEI Reports | Archives | Questions or Comments?
Current Permits
- Water Quality Order 2011-0003-DWQ - Aquatic Animal Invasive Species Control
- Water Quality Order 2011-0004-DWQ - Spray Applications
- Water Quality Order 2011-0002-DWQ - Vector Control
- Water Quality Order 2004-0009-DWQ - Weed Control
Fees
The Fee Schedules contain the current filing fees for the Aquatic Animal Invasive Species Control, Spray Applications, Vector Control, and Weed Control Permits. Section 2200(b)(6) of the schedules specifies a one-time fee of $183 for the Vector Control Permit. The other three permits fall under Category 3 of Section 2200(b)(9) which specifies an annual fee of $1606 plus an ambient water monitoring surcharge of 21 percent. Thus, the total annual fee for each of the other three permits is $1943.26.
Please Note: The Water Code requires the State Water Board to adjust the fees each fiscal year to conform with the revenue levels set forth in the Budget Act. Thus, the above fees could change every year.
NOIs, PAPs, and NOTs
Aquatic Animal Invasive Species Control (AAIS Control)
Spray Applications
- Spray Applications NOI | Spray
Applications NOT
- California Department of Food and Agriculture (Comments were due 9/15/2011 by Noon)
- Revised Pesticide Application Plan
Vector Control
Pesticide Application Plans (PAPs)
The following PAPs refer to the Mosquito and Vector Control Association of California Coalition Monitoring Plan, Best Management Practices for Mosquito Control in California, and California Mosquito-Borne Virus Surveillance and Response Plan:
Comments on the PAPs
PAP Addenda/Amendments
- Alameda County Vector Control Services District
- Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District
- Alameda County MAD Proposed Source Reduction
- Alameda County MAD Control Program
- Blythe, City of
- Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District
- Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District
- Glenn County Mosquito and Vector Control District
- Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District
- Kern Mosquito & Vector Control District
- Lake County Vector Control Program
- Long Beach (City of) Department of Health and Human Services Bureau of Environmental Health - Vector Control Program
- Marin/Sonoma Mosquito and Vector Control District
- Marin/Sonoma Mosquito and Vector Control District BMPs
- Marin/Sonoma Mosquito and Vector Control District List of Water Bodies
- Northwest Mosquito and Vector Control District
- Orange County Vector Control District
- Oroville Mosquito Abatement District
- Owens Valley Mosquito Abatement Program
- Placer Mosquito and Vector Control District
- Riverside County Vector Control Program
- Saddle Creek Community Services Mosquito and Vector Control District
- San Benito County Agricultural Commissioner's Office
- San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District
- San Joaquin County Mosquito and Vector Control District
- San Joaquin County Mosquito and Vector Control District
- Santa Clara County Vector Control District
- Santa Cruz County Mosquito & Vector Control
- Shasta Mosquito and Vector Control District
- Solano County Mosquito Abatement District
- Sutter-Yuba Mosquito & Vector Control District
- Tehama County Mosquito and Vector Control District
Weed Control
News
- The Sixth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals Decisions
- New! The Sixth Circuit Court Decision on March 28,
2011 (Extension of Stay)
On March 28, 2011, the United States Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit, granted a motion to extend the stay currently in place in the matter of National Cotton Council of America v. U.S. EPA,553 F.3d 927 (2009). The stay of the Court's 2009 decision is now effective until October 31, 2011. As a result of this extension, the federal regulation exempting pesticide discharges in compliance with FIFRA from the requirement to apply for an NPDES permit continues in effect through October 31. Until that time, persons applying pesticides have no affirmative duty to apply for an NPDES permit, in accordance with federal law.
Those who have previously applied for coverage under the three pesticide discharge permits adopted by the State Water Board on March 1, 2011 and the Weed Control Permit (Water Quality Order No. 2004-0009-DWQ), must submit a notice of termination if they do not intend to comply with the applicable permit. Once the stay expires, a new application for coverage will be required.
- The Sixth Circuit Court Decision on June 8, 2009 (Two-Year Stay)
On June 8, 2009, the Sixth Circuit granted the motion for a two-year stay of the effect of the National Cotton Council of America v. United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). The USEPA exemption will remain in effect until April 9, 2011. - The Sixth Circuit Court Decision on January 7, 2009
On January 7, 2009, the Sixth Circuit Court decided that the USEPA Final Rule is not a reasonable interpretation of the CWA and vacated the Final Rule. - USEPA Final Rule
On November 20, 2006, the USEPA issued its final rule on aquatic pesticides. This rule would eliminate the need for a 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. See Memorandum.
- New! The Sixth Circuit Court Decision on March 28,
2011 (Extension of Stay)
- Draft Spray Applications Permit
Notice of Public Hearing | Draft Permit | Notice: Comment Deadline Extended
Comments (December 16, 2010) | Response to Comments (December 16, 2010)
Comments (February 18, 2011) | Response to Comments (February 18, 2011)
Change Sheet | Conformed Response to February 18, 2011 Comments - Draft Aquatic Animal Invasive Species Control General Permit
Notice of Public Hearing | Draft Permit
Comments (November 16, 2010) | Response to Comments (November 16, 2010)
Comments (February 18, 2011) | Response to Comments (February 18, 2011)
Change Sheet | Conformed Response to February 18, 2011 Comments - Draft Vector Control General Permit
Notice of Public Hearing | Draft Permit | Comments | Response to Comments
Comments (November 2, 2010) | Response to Comments (November 2, 2010)
Comments (February 18, 2011) | Response to Comments (February 18, 2011)
Change Sheet | Conformed Response to February 18, 2011 Comments - New! Draft Amendment Vector Control Permit
Notice of Public Hearing | Draft Amendment (Notice and Draft Amendment posted 2/8/12)
Aquatic Pesticides Monitoring Program - SFEI Reports
- Phase 1
- Phase 2
- Bioassessment
- Modeling
- Monitoring Project Report
- Pest Alternatives
Archives
- The following PAPs contain individual monitoring plans:
- Ventura County Environmental Health Division (Comments due by April 22, 2011 at Noon)
The following PAPs refer to the Mosquito and Vector Control Association of California Coalition Monitoring Plan:
- Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District (Comments due by April 22, 2011 at Noon)
- County of San Diego (Department of Environmental Health – Vector Control Program) (Comments due by April 22, 2011 at Noon)
- Imperial County Public Health Department (Comments due by April 22, 2011 at Noon)
- June Lake Public Utility District (Comments due by April 22, 2011 at Noon)
- Kern Mosquito and Vector Control District (Comments due by April 22, 2011 at Noon)
- Napa County Mosquito Abatement District (Comments due by April 22, 2011 at Noon)
- Northern Salinas Valley Mosquito Abatement District (Comments due by April 22, 2011 at Noon)
- Owens Valley Mosquito Abatement Program (Comments due by April 22, 2011 at Noon)
- San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District (Comments due by April 22, 2011 at Noon)
- Santa Clara County Vector Control District (Comments due by April 22, 2011 at Noon)
- Santa Cruz County Mosquito Abatement/Vector Control CSA53 (Comments due by April 22, 2011 at Noon)
- Shasta Mosquito and Vector Control District (Comments due by April 22, 2011 at Noon)
- Solano County Mosquito Abatement District (Comments due by April 22, 2011 at Noon)
- Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District (Comments due by April 18, 2011 at Noon)
- East Side Mosquito Abatement District (Comments due by April 18, 2011 at Noon)
- Los Angeles County West Vector Control District (Comments due by April 18, 2011 at Noon)
- Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District (Comments due by April 18, 2011 at Noon)
- Saddle Creek Community Services District (Comments due by April 18, 2011 at Noon)
- San Joaquin Mosquito and Vector Control District (Comments due by April 18, 2011 at Noon)
- Turlock Mosquito Abatement District (Comments due by April 18, 2011 at Noon)
- Orange County Vector Control District (Comments due by April 21, 2011 at Noon)
- Vector Control CSA #3 of County of El Dorado (Comments due by May 3, 2011 at Noon)
- Marin/Sonoma Mosquito and Vector Control District (Comments due by May 3, 2011 at Noon)
- San Bernardino Mosquito and Vector Control Program (Comments due by May 3, 2011 at Noon)
- Preliminary Draft Adulticides Permit - Notice of Opportunity to Provide Informal Comments
- Aquatic Weed Control Permit Reopener Hearing
- Rescission of the NPDES permit for the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) Silver King Creek Rotenone Project
- Regulation of Aquatic Pesticides Following the Ninth Circuit Decision in Fairhurst v. Hagener
- Aquatic Weed Control Permit Reopener Hearing
- The Ninth Circuit Court Decision in Fairhurst v. Hagener
Aquatic Weed Control Permit Reopener Hearing
- Resolution 2005-0046
- Attachment E, Modified Water Quality Order No. 2004-0009-DWQ
- Water Board comments on USEPA draft rule regarding permit requirements for pesticide applications in compliance with FIFRA
- Aquatic Weed Control Permit Reopener Hearing
- Resolution 2004-0081
- Attachment E, Modified Water Quality Order No. 2004-0009-DWQ
- The Ninth Circuit Court Decision in League of Wilderness Defenders v. Forsgren
- Discharges of Aquatic Pesticides for Vector Control
- Discharge of Aquatic Pesticides for Aquatic Weed Control
- Previous Aquatic Pesticide Permit
- Regulation of Discharges of Aquatic Pesticides
- Memorandum from Craig M. Wilson, Chief Counsel, April 8, 2002 - Discusses an interpretive statement by the USEPA
- The Ninth Circuit Court Decision in Headwaters, Inc. v. Talent Irrigation District
- CEQA Documents
- Application of Copper to the State Water Project to Control Aquatic Weeds and Algal Blooms - Department of Water Resources (DWR)
- Aquatic Herbicide NPDES Permit - Application for Categorical Exception for Acrolein - Byron-Bethany Irrigation District
- Aquatic Pesticide Application Program for the Oakdale Irrigation District
- Aquatic Pesticide Application Program for Unlined and Partially Lined Canals - Turlock Irrigation District
- Draft NPDES permit for the application of aquatic pesticides - CEQA Documentation and other State Implementation Plan Section 5.3 Requirements - Friant Water Users Authority
- Modesto Irrigation District CEQA Document Submission for 2004 Statewide General Permit for Aquatic Pesticides
- Nevada Irrigation District Request for Administrative Extension of Statewide General Permit No. CAG 9900 03, Aquatic Pesticides General Permit
- Notice of Intent To Comply with the Terms of Water Quality Order No 2004-__DWQ - Marin Municipal Water District
- Placer County Water Agency General NPDES Permit No. CAG990003
- Solano Irrigation District Application of Aquatic Herbicides - NPDES Permit
- South Feather Water & Power Agency Request for Administrative Extension Statewide General Permit No. CAG 990003, Aquatic Pesticides General Permit
- Statewide General NPDES Permit for Discharge of Aquatic Pesticides for Aquatic Weed Control in Irrigation Systems, Drinking Water Canals, and Surface Water Impoundments that are Waters in the United States - Contra Costa Water District
- The Application of Copper Sulfate to Lake Mathews, Lake Skinner, and Diamond Valley Lake to Control Algal Blooms - Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
- The Control of Algae in Lined Channels - Contra Costa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District
- The Control of Aquatic Weeds in Irrigation Canals Using Copper and Acrolein - Provident Irrigation District
- The Use of Copper and Acrolein to Control Aquatic Weeds in Irrigation Canals - Tehama Colusa Canal Authority
- The Use of Copper and Acrolein to Control Aquatic Weeds in Water Conveyances - Princeton-Codora-Glenn Irrigation District
- The Use of Copper and Acrolein to Control Aquatic Weeds in Water Conveyances - Reclamation District 1004
- The Use of Copper and Acrolein to Control Aquatic Weeds in Water Conveyances - South Sutter Water District
- The Use of Copper to Control Aquatic Weeds in Irrigation and Storm Water Canals and Ditches - Yolo County Flood Control & Water Conservation District
- The Use of Copper to Control Aquatic Weeds in Loch Lomond Reservoir - Santa Cruz Water Department
- The Use of Copper to Control Aquatic Weeds in Water Conveyances - Potter Valley Irrigation District
- The Use of Copper to Control Aquatic Weeds in Stafford Lake - North Marin Water District
- Use of Acrolein and Copper-Containing Herbicides To Control Aquatic Weeds in Water Conveyances - Glen Colusa Irrigation District
- Use of Acrolein and Copper-Containing Herbicides To Control Aquatic Weeds in Water Conveyances - Maine Prairie Water District
- Use of Copper To Control Aquatic Weeds in Antioch Municipal Reservoir - City of Antioch Dept. of Public Works
- Woodbridge Irrigation District: Algae/Aquatic Weed Control Program
- DFG Silver King Creek Rotenone Project
Questions or Comments?
- Aquatic Animal Invasive Species Control and Vector Control General Permits: Please contact Phil Isorena.
- Spray Applications and Weed Control General Permits: Please contact Jenny Chen




