Transfer of Pesticide General Permit (PGP) from EPA to ADEC

Proposed Permit Coverage: ADEC proposes to reissue an APDES general permit to regulate source discharges of pollutants associated with the application of biological pesticides or chemical pesticides that leave a residue. This permit is commonly called the Pesticide General Permit (PGP). The PGP would apply statewide except for lands within the Metlakatla Indian Reserve and the Denali National Park Preserve.

The PGP covers point source discharges of pollutants associated with the application of biological pesticides or chemical pesticides that leave a residue from the following use patterns: 1) mosquito and other flying insect pest control; 2) aquatic weed and algae control; 3) aquatic nuisance animal control; and 4) forest canopy pest control.

The proposed 2016 PGP will remain largely unchanged from the 2011 PGP that was previously issued by EPA in 2011, from which Alaska assumed transfer of program responsibilities in October 2012 as part of the APDES program. The 2011 PGP expired on October 31, 2016 and is administratively continued and will remain in force and effect. If any Operator was authorized to discharge under this permit before the October 31, 2016, any discharges authorized under this permit will automatically remain covered by this permit until the earliest of the conditions specified in Permit Part 1.2.4.

The proposed DRAFT 2016 PGP public comment period (August 2 - November 18, 2016) recently closed. The Department is currently considering the comments received.

On October 31, 2008, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) formally approved Alaska's application for primacy of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). The approved state program is called the Alaska Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (APDES). The transfer of program responsibilities will take four years from program approval.

Authority for Pesticide General Permit transferred to DEC on October 31, 2012 as part of APDES Program. Existing EPA permits were transferred to DEC. Transferred permits will remain in effect (along with the state certification) until DEC issues an APDES permit to replace the EPA-issued permit.

Entities seeking authorization under the Pesticide General Permit (PGP) are encouraged to view the Flow Chart to help you answer the following questions:

• Do I need an APDES permit for pesticide applications?
• Are my activities eligible for coverage under DEC's general permit? If so:
• What is required of me under the PGP?

Entites seeking authorization under the Pesticide General Permit must submit their Notice of Intent, Notice of Termination, reports, etc. to:

Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation
Wastewater Discharge Authorization Program
555 Cordova Street
Anchorage, AK 99501
Phone: (907) 269-6285, Fax: (907) 269-3487
Email: DEC.Water.WQPermit@alaska.gov

For more information, please contact: