EPA’s controversial and much-delayed Final Pesticide General Permit has been issued. In the Great Lakes region, the EPA permit will mainly apply to Indian Country lands, but will serve as a model for the states, who will issue their own versions of the permit. Michigan has been awaiting the issuance of the federal permit before issuing its own permit.

 Under EPA rules, a permit is required for applications of pesticides that result in discharges to regulated waters from the following use patterns: (1) mosquito and other flying insect pest control; (2) weed and algae control; (3) animal pest control; and (4) forest canopy pest control.  Such applications can include farms with drainage ditches requiring pest control. Those required to obtain permit coverage include “operators” who performs or has control of the pesticide application, and “decision-makers” who controls the decision to apply pesticide. Some permittees are also required to submit Notices of Intent (NOIs) prior to beginning to discharge and implement integrated pest management-like practices. An EPA fact sheet is available.