Under Section 401 of the federal Clean Water Act, state certification of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination (NPDES) permits is required before such activities may take place.
The Pesticide General Permit (PGP) authorizes discharges from the application of pesticides to Idaho surface waters for pest and aquatic weed and algae control.
DEQ’s draft certification specifies certain conditions that must be met to ensure compliance with water quality standards and state law, including protection and maintenance of existing uses, high-quality waters and outstanding waters, and monitoring and notification requirements.
Minor changes made to the draft 2016 PGP from the 2011 PGP include notices of intent and electronic reporting requirements.
Provided the certification conditions are met and all permit provisions are complied with, DEQ proposes to certify that the PGP offers reasonable assurances that the discharges will comply with state water quality standards and state law.
The draft certification and associated documents are available for review at DEQ’s State Office and on DEQ’s website (download at right).
Written comment on the draft certification will be accepted through May 9, 2016, at 5 p.m. MDT.
Submit comments electronically on DEQ’s website or by mail or e-mail to:
Nicole Deinarowicz
DEQ State Office
Water Quality Division
1410 N. Hilton
Boise, ID 83706
E-mail: nicole.deinarowicz@deq.idaho.gov