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Reducing VOC Emissions from Field Fumigants

Back to Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Emissions from Pesticides

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Regulations to reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from fumigant pesticides went into effect in January 2008. Products affected are those containing methyl bromide, 1-3 dichloropropene, chloropicrin, metam sodium, potassium N-methyldithiocarbamate (also called metam-potassium), dazomet, and sodium tetrathiocarbonate.

General information

• Fact Sheet (PDF, 110 kb) (November 2008)
  • DPR proposes revised fumigant rules to reduce air pollution (news release, November 21, 2008)
  • DPR wins appeal on pesticides and air quality (news release, August 20, 2008)
  • DPR Sees Opportunity to Clear the Air (commentary from Director Mary-Ann Warmerdam, appearing in various state media - August 2008) (PDF, 39 kb)
• Areas affected (“nonattainment areas”)
  • Overview of requirements categorized by area affected (one-page table) (PDF, 29 kb)
• Rulemaking and technical support documents

Fumigation methods – Field fumigant emissions are reduced in the five geographic areas with specific requirements on how fumigations must be done, prohibitions of some high-emission methods, and limits on other methods.

• Fumigation methods allowed

Emission targets and allowances – DPR sets benchmarks for total pounds of pesticide emissions from May 1 to October 31 in five geographic areas. This can require restricting fumigant emissions by individual growers if emission reduction targets cannot be met by other means.

• VOC emission targets and allowances
  • How to calculate fumigant VOC emissions

Reporting of fumigation methods used – DPR tracks VOC emissions by requiring reporting of field fumigant application methods in certain areas.

• Pesticide use reporting of field fumigant applications

Licensing – Beginning in 2009, pest control businesses conducting fumigations must have a supervisor who has a special field fumigation license. This is a statewide requirement.

• Licensing

For content questions contact:
Randy Segawa
Phone: (916) 324-4137
E-mail: rsegawa@cdpr.ca.gov