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Water

​The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program controls water pollution by regulating point sources that discharge pollutants into waters of the United States. The permit program is authorized by the Federal Clean Water Act of 1972.​

Requirements

An Oregon NPDES pesticide general permit is required by a federal court order for certain pesticide applications, in, over, or near waters of the state. It is implemented in Oregon by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) under an agreement with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The permit specifically regulates pesticide applications in, over, or near water to control the following:

  • Mosquitoes and other flying insect pests
  • Weeds and algae
  • Nuisance animals
  • Forest canopy pests
  • Other pests that must be controlled under area-wide programs

All individuals, businesses, and property owners responsible for pesticide applications in the five categories listed above must comply with certain basic requirements of the permit. A higher level of permit conditions is required for all federal and state agencies, weed and vector control districts, and for certain other entities that exceed annual treatment area thresholds.

Questions

Contact Beth Moore, DEQ permit coordinator
Phone: 503.229.6402

Resources

FAQ Sheet on the Pesticide General Permit (2300A) for Agriculture and Forestry

FAQ sheet on pesticide general permit

NPDES Pesticide General Permit Q & A

NPDES General Permit information

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