Public Hearing Scheduled June 1
Ohio EPA will hold a virtual public hearing on Wednesday, June 1, 2022, at 2:30 p.m. to accept comments regarding a proposed renewal of a draft statewide general permit for pesticide application dischargers.
During the public hearing, the Agency will accept comments on the record regarding the draft renewal general permit. Those attending the virtual hearing should register at least 15 minutes before the meeting begins to ensure connectivity. Registration is available online at: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5071429635609474572.
Since 2011, federal court decisions have required that pesticide application, including applications to ditch banks and aerial spraying and fogging, must obtain coverage under a wastewater discharge permit if they occur “in, over, or near” surface waters. For certain pesticide applications under the general permit, a notice of intent must be submitted to Ohio EPA.
The draft permit covers four pesticide use categories: mosquito and other aquatic nuisance insect control, aquatic weed and algae control, area-wide pest control, and aquatic nuisance animal control. This draft permit represents a renewal of the pesticide application discharge permit issued on January 1, 2017.
Ohio EPA will accept written comments on the draft general permit through the close of business on June 8. Anyone may submit comments or request to be on the mailing list for information. Written comments may be submitted by mail to: Ohio EPA, Division of Surface Water, Attn: Permits Processing Unit, P.O. Box 1049, Columbus, Ohio 43216-1049, or email epa.dswcomments@epa.ohio.gov.
Copies of the draft general permit and the associated fact sheet and documentation can be obtained on the Ohio EPA-DSW web page at https://epa.ohio.gov/divisions-and-offices/surface-water/permitting/pesticide-application-discharges–general-permit or by calling 614-644-2001.