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Pesticide Permitting

Pesticide Permitting Topics * Overview * 2026 Pesticide General Permit * 2021 Pesticide General Permit * Implementation Tools * Permitting Decision Tool * ESA Procedures * PGP Electronic Reporting * Program History * Frequent Questions

The NPDES permitting program regulates discharges from pesticide applications consistent with section 402 of the Clean Water Act (CWA)Exit EPA’s website. Point source discharges of biological pesticides and chemical pesticides that leave a residue in waters of the U.S. are required to comply with NPDES requirements. EPA and the states issue Pesticide General Permits (PGPs) under the NPDES program to offer coverage for pesticide operators. Activities not eligible for coverage under a PGP may be eligible for coverage under an individual permit. The agency that issues an NPDES permit for discharges from pesticide applications depends on the location of those applications. In most cases, the state environmental protection regulatory agency (e.g., the Department of Environmental Quality or Department of Natural Resources) is the NPDES permitting authority and issues the NPDES permits for activities in their state. EPA issues the 2021 PGP only for areas and activities where the states are not authorized. Specifically, EPA is the NPDES permitting authority for pesticide discharges in: * Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Mexico, and Washington D.C., * All U.S. territories except the Virgin Islands, * Federal facilities in Delaware, Vermont, Colorado, and Washington, and * All Indian Country except in Maine.

In the remaining areas, EPA authorizes the state or territory to develop and issue pesticide permits. Operators in those states or territories should contact their appropriate environmental regulatory agency for more information on permit requirements. EPA’s proposed 2026 Pesticide General Permit (PGP) was signed on November 8, 2023. Once finalized, the 2026 PGP will replace the 2021 PGP when it expires on October 31, 2026. * Pesticide EPA regional contacts * Pesticide state contacts * National Pesticide Information Center, State pesticide regulatory agenciesExit EPA’s website * How to Search for information about Pesticide Ingredients and Labels * List of all NPDES General Permits * EPA's Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO)

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)

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