Okla. Admin. Code § 35:45-1-8

Current through Vol. 42, No. 6, December 2, 2024

Section 35:45-1-8 - Pesticide program

(a) ODAFF regulates spills and misuse of pesticides associated with facilities and activities of licensed pesticide applicators, homeowners and farm applications. This includes improper storage and disposal of pesticides and pesticide containers.

(b) Compliance with antidegradation requirements and protection of beneficial uses.

(1) All pesticide programs and regulatory activities require no degradation of surface or groundwater by pesticide use. Pesticide labels contain warnings that the pesticide could contaminate surface and groundwater if misused or improperly disposed. ODAFF regulates spills and misuse of pesticides associated with facilities and activities of licensed pesticide applicators, homeowners and farm applications. This includes improper storage and disposal of pesticides and pesticide containers.

(2) Beneficial uses that could be impaired by improper handling and application of pesticides include Fish and Wildlife Propagation, Private and Public Water Supply, Recreation, and Agriculture. The potential for pesticides to enter ground water and surface water exist and is supported by the fact that several water bodies are classified as impaired by pesticides on the current 303(d) list. Pesticide residue in fish could render them unfit for human consumption. Antidegradation is automatically implemented because the presence of pesticide in any water is a violation of the standards no matter how the water body is classified.

(3) Recent spills and newly located polluted sites are remediated by the responsible party, or by the use of EPA superfund monies to the extent necessary to meet ODAFF goals. Pesticide remediation brings any impaired surface or groundwater back to the quality prior to the pesticide spill, including restoration of all beneficial uses pursuant to the WQS. Procedures for groundwater protection are covered in the ODAFF Generic Pesticide Management Plan in Groundwater.

(4) The certification of persons to become pesticide applicators involves training and testing of the individual in the safe use and handling of pesticides. Training includes information on how to read a pesticide label, pesticide storage, pesticide container disposal and proper procedures to follow in the event of a pesticide spill. The protection of surface water and groundwater is an integral part of the certification process.

(c) Application of USAP - The procedures for pesticide monitoring are outlined in the Quality Assurance Project Plan, the pesticide operating procedures and the Generic Pesticide Management Plan in Groundwater. USAP will be utilized in assessing beneficial uses of all monitored surface waters. USAP does not apply to groundwater at this time.

(d) Description of programs affecting water quality.

(1) The Consumer Protection Services Division of ODAFF is responsible for the licensing and certifying of pesticide applicators. ODAFF registers all pesticides distributed in the state and has authority to restrict the use of pesticides to prevent unreasonable risk to the quality of Oklahoma's water.

(2) Under the Generic Pesticide Management Plan, ODAFF will develop and implement point and non-point source prevention measures, participate in relaying use information, carry out monitoring, develop and implement response to detection, keep records of action taken and provide progress reports to EPA.

(3) ODAFF will also develop and maintain a statewide agriculture chemical database and a pesticide concerns list in regard to water quality standards.

(4) ODAFF licenses all commercial applicators of pesticides and requires the certification of private applicators before they can use restricted pesticides. When spills or other environmental problems, resulting from current or historic practices, are found, ODAFF's goal is to prevent impairment of the surface water and groundwaters of the state. This includes preventing significant risk to humans, livestock, or ecological receptors from inhalation of fumes, direct contact, or ingestion.

(5) The Consumer Protection Services Division assists AEMS Division with disseminating information related to AgPDES permit requirements for pesticides applicators and with reviewing permit applications or notices of intent submitted by permit applicators.

(6) Pesticide labels contain warnings that the pesticide could contaminate surface and groundwater if misused or improperly disposed. All ODAFF activities related to pesticides are geared toward maintaining WQS. Specific programs include the following:

(A) Certification of individuals and the licensing of companies to apply pesticides;

(B) Investigation of pesticide spills and misuse;

(C) Inspection of pesticide producer establishments;

(D) Inspection of pesticide applicator facilities for proper pesticide storage;

(E) Audit records of restricted use pesticide dealers;

(F) Conduct private applicator record keeping inspections;

(G) Monitor pesticide application at new construction sites;

(H) Requiring backflow prevention devices on chemigation wells, as well as requiring every applicator of pesticides to employ an appropriate method to prevent the backflow of spray materials during filling, mixing, or application operations. The method shall include, but not be limited to, the employment of a check valve or similar in-line device, or positive mechanical method, such as an air gap, designed to insure backflow shall not occur;

(I) Monitoring the irrigation tailwater return flow on several large container nurseries on the Illinois River in Cherokee County; and

(J) Groundwater monitoring.

(e) Technical information and procedures for implementation - The pesticide program utilizes a number of databases, software programs and models for implementation. These include: Microsoft Access database and Microsoft Excel spreadsheet software for water quality data information; ArcInfo and ArcView GIS software data analysis and mapping; and pesticide leaching models from EPA to map and analyze data. EPA standards are used to calibrate laboratory equipment when analyzing for specific pesticides. Many cases will require samples to be taken. The Pesticide Inspectors Manual covers the procedures for taking, sealing and shipping pesticide samples to the lab. Sampling results become a part of the complaint file. Notice of violations, stop work orders, informal or formal hearings, cleanup orders, fines and referral to US EPA for federal prosecution are some of the enforcement actions available to the ODAFF in the event a water quality or other violation is found. The Oklahoma Combined Pesticide Law and Rules set the standards used in the storage, use and disposal of pesticides, pesticide containers, and pesticide waste.

(f) Integration of WQSIP into water quality management activities - Future changes in WQS may require additional rules and policies. Amendments will be made as necessitated by those changes.

(g) Compliance with mandated statewide water quality requirements - Compliance with statewide water quality requirements is the primary goal of the pesticide certification program, pesticide facility inspections, pesticide spill and misuse investigations and pesticide monitoring programs.

(h) Public and interagency participation.

(1) ODAFF has been charged with the regulatory responsibilities of agricultural activities that could impact the WQS of the waters of Oklahoma. The "Agricultural Resources Protection and Management Operation" document outlines standard operating procedures to fulfill this charge for the present and provides guidance for future needs. This document contains no new or modified authorities not subject to legislative approval. Should subsequent events call for law, rule or regulation changes or additions, these shall be subject to approvals in accordance with the APA or the legislative process.

(2) Public participation requirements of the APA were followed in promulgating rules that integrate water quality standards into this program area. Section III of this document contains a summary of comments received and responses relating to the promulgation of ODAFF's WQSIP.

(i) Evaluation of effectiveness of agency activities - The effectiveness of the pesticide programs will be evaluated through the routine monitoring of surface water and groundwater. Special monitoring may be initiated if potential sources of contamination are identified. USAP will assist in dictating surface water monitoring.

Okla. Admin. Code § 35:45-1-8

Added at 18 Ok Reg 3409, eff 6-28-01 (emergency); Added at 19 Ok Reg 951, eff 5-13-02; Amended at 22 Ok Reg 2332, eff 7-11-05; Amended at 25 Ok Reg 1820, eff 7-1-08

Amended by Oklahoma Register, Volume 31, Issue 24, September 2, 2014, eff. 9/12/2014

Amended by Oklahoma Register, Volume 41, Issue 22, August 1, 2024, eff. 8/11/2024