January 7, 2016

EXAMPLES OF STATE PGP PROVISIONS THAT ADDRESS WQBELs/WQ MONITORING

1

State/ 

Permit

WQBEL Provision

CA

CAG990006

Aquatic 

Animal 

Invasive 

Species

http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/board_decisions/adopted_orders/water_quality/2011/wqo2011_0003.pdf

II. A. General Permit Coverage 

This General Permit covers the point source discharge of pesticide residues resulting from direct applications for aquatic animal invasive 

species control using pesticides* containing sodium hypochlorite. State Water Board staff’s review of DPR’s database found that sodium 

hypochlorite is the only active ingredient used in pesticide products for the control of invasive mollusks. Users of products containing 

sodium hypochlorite for the control of aquatic animal invasive species are required to obtain coverage under this General Permit prior 

to application. Attachment E, which is a part of this General Permit, lists products containing this active ingredient.

IV. DISCHARGE PROHIBITIONS 

A. The discharge of residual pesticides at a location or in a manner different from that described in this General Permit is prohibited. 

B. The discharge of residual pesticides shall not create a nuisance as defined in section 13050 of the California Water Code. 

C. The discharge of residual pesticides shall not cause, have a reasonable potential to cause, or contribute to an in-stream excursion 

above any applicable standard or criterion promulgated by U.S. EPA pursuant to Section 303 of the CWA, or water quality objective 

adopted by the State or Regional Water Boards. This prohibition shall apply outside the treatment area during treatment, and in the 

treatment area after treatment has been completed. 

V. EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS 

A. The discharge of residual pesticides must meet applicable water quality standards; and 

B. Dischargers shall implement BMPs when applying pesticides. The BMPs must be provided in the APAP, which is described in Section 

VII.C. 

VI. RECEIVING WATER LIMITATIONS 

The discharge shall not result in any of the following: 

A. Floating Material. Floating material to be present in amounts that cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses. 

B. Settleable Substances. Substances to be present in concentrations that result in the deposition of material that causes nuisance or 

adversely affects beneficial uses. 

C. Suspended Material. Suspended material to be present in concentrations that cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses. 
January 7, 2016

EXAMPLES OF STATE PGP PROVISIONS THAT ADDRESS WQBELs/WQ MONITORING

2

State/ 

Permit

WQBEL Provision

D. Taste and Odors. Taste- or odor-producing substances to be present in concentrations that impart undesirable tastes or odors to fish 

flesh or other edible products of aquatic origin, or that cause nuisance, or otherwise adversely affect beneficial uses or domestic or 

municipal water supplies. 

E. Toxic Pollutants. Toxic pollutants to be present in the water column, sediments, or biota in concentrations that adversely affect 

beneficial uses; that produce detrimental response in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life; or that bioaccumulate in aquatic resources 

at levels which are harmful to human health. 

F. Temperature. The ambient temperature to increase more than 5oF. 

G. Color. Esthetically undesirable discoloration. 

H. Aquatic Communities. Aquatic communities and populations, including native vertebrates, invertebrates, and plant species to be 

degraded unless the aquatic animal invasive species to be controlled coexist with the aquatic community and project goal is to restore 

the native assemblage. 

I. The numeric Receiving Water Limitations shown in Table 3 below will be used to assess compliance of residual pesticide discharges 

resulting from pesticide applications used to control animal aquatic invasive species. 

Table 3. Receiving Water Limitations 

Constituent 

Limitation Basis 

Chlorine 10 ug/l - Monthly 

Average 

U.S. EPA's Ambient Water Quality Criteria for 

Freshwater Aquatic Life Protection 

Chlorine 20 ug/l - Daily 

Maximum 

U.S. EPA's Ambient Water Quality Criteria for 

Freshwater Aquatic Life Protection 

Chlorine <10 ug/l - Daily 

Maximum 

California Ocean Plan 

VIII.C. Special Provisions, 1. Reopener Provisions

d. Receiving Water Limitations. This General Permit may be re-opened to add or modify receiving water limitations in Table 3 if 

additional constituents are added from pesticide product additions or accuracy of constituent analyzing technology allows for

implementation of more protective limitations. 

g. This General Permit may be reopened and modified to incorporate toxicity monitoring requirements if the State Water Board-funded 

toxicity study demonstrates probable toxicity for particular pesticide ingredients. [balance omitted here]

Fact Sheet

VII. 
January 7, 2016

EXAMPLES OF STATE PGP PROVISIONS THAT ADDRESS WQBELs/WQ MONITORING

3

State/ 

Permit

WQBEL Provision

A. Effluent Monitoring 

Pursuant to the requirements of 40 C.F.R. § 122.44(i) effluent monitoring is required for all constituents with effluent limitations. 

Effluent monitoring is necessary to assess compliance with effluent limitations, assess the effectiveness of the treatment process, and 

to assess the impacts of the discharge on the receiving water and groundwater. 

The application of pesticides for aquatic animal invasive species control is not necessarily considered a discharge of pollutants according 

to the National Cotton Council of America v. U.S. EPA decision and other applicable case law. The regulated discharge is the discharge of 

residual pesticides. At what point the pesticide becomes a residue is not precisely known. Therefore, in the application of pesticides, 

the exact effluent is unknown. Thus, effluent monitoring requirement is not applicable for applications of pesticides for aquatic animal 

invasive species control.

B. Toxicity Testing Requirements 

The State Water Board, pursuant to the Porter-Cologne Act and the federal Clean Water Act, customarily requires the discharger to 

conduct toxicity monitoring. In fact, both Acts anticipate discharger self-monitoring. For purposes of this General Permit, the State 

Water Board will require some monitoring by dischargers, but will initially fund toxicity studies using funds available to the Board. This 

decision is based on the unique circumstances of these permits; the unique purposes and application of these pesticide discharges; and 

the public health benefits for the pesticide application. The General Permit will include a reopener in the event subsequent studies 

indicate the presence of toxicity.

CA

CAG990007

Biological and 

residual 

pesticide 

discharge 

from spray 

application

http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/board_decisions/adopted_orders/water_quality/2011/wqo2011_0004.pdf

II. A. General Permit Coverage

Except for discharges on tribal lands which are regulated by a federal permit, this General Permit covers the point source* discharge of 

biological and residual pesticides resulting from spray applications using the following: acetamiprid, aminopyralid, Bacillus thuringiensis 

kurstaki (Btk), carbaryl, chlorsulfuron, clopyralid, cyfluthrin, dinotefuran, glyphosate, imazapyr, imidacloprid, malathion, naled, nuclear 

polyhedrosis virus (NPV), pheromone, pyrethrins, Spinosad A and D, triclopyr butoxyethyl ester (BEE) and triclopyr triethylamine salt 

(TEA). Attachment E, which is a part of this General Permit, lists the products containing these active ingredients.

IV. DISCHARGE PROHIBITIONS

A. The discharge of biological and residual pesticides at a location or in a manner different from that described in this General Permit is 

prohibited.

B. The discharge of biological and residual pesticides shall not create a nuisance as defined in section 13050 of the California Water 

Code.

C. The discharge shall not cause, have a reasonable potential to cause, or contribute to an in-stream excursion above any applicable 

standard or criterion promulgated by U.S. EPA pursuant to section 303 of the CWA, or water quality objective adopted by the State or 

Regional Water Boards.

V. EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS
January 7, 2016

EXAMPLES OF STATE PGP PROVISIONS THAT ADDRESS WQBELs/WQ MONITORING

4

State/ 

Permit

WQBEL Provision

A. The discharge of biological and residual pesticides must meet applicable water quality standards; and

B. Dischargers shall implement BMPs when applying pesticides. The BMPs must be provided in the PAP which is described in Section

VIII.C below.

VI. RECEIVING WATER LIMITATIONS

The discharges shall not result in any of the following:

A. Cause or contribute to an exceedance of the following in the receiving water:

Table 3. Receiving Water Limitation

Ingredient Unit Instantaneous Maximum

Malathion μg/L 0.1

B. Floating Material. Floating material to be present in the amounts that cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses.

C. Settleable Substances. Substances to be present in concentrations that result in the deposition of material that causes nuisance or 

adversely affects beneficial uses.

D. Suspended Material. Suspended material to be present in concentrations that cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses.

E. Taste and Odors. Taste- or odor-producing substances to be present in

concentrations that impart undesirable tastes or odors to fish flesh or other edible products of aquatic origin, or that cause nuisance, or 

otherwise adversely affect beneficial uses or domestic or municipal water supplies.

F. Toxic Pollutants. Toxic pollutants to be present in the water column, sediments, or biota in concentrations that adversely affect 

beneficial uses; that produce detrimental response in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life; or that bioaccumulate in aquatic resources 

at levels which are harmful to human health.

G. Temperature. The ambient temperature to increase more than 5oF.

H. Color. Esthetically undesirable discoloration.

I. Aquatic Communities. Aquatic communities and populations, including vertebrates, invertebrates, and plant species to be degraded.

VII. RECEIVING WATER MONITORING TRIGGERS

The Receiving Water Monitoring Triggers shown in Table 4 below will be used to assess compliance with the narrative receiving water 

toxicity limitation and initiate additional investigations for the toxicity caused by the residual pesticides used and their additive or 

synergistic effects.

Table 4. Receiving water monitoring triggers
January 7, 2016

EXAMPLES OF STATE PGP PROVISIONS THAT ADDRESS WQBELs/WQ MONITORING

5

State/ 

Permit

WQBEL Provision

Ingredient Unit Instantaneous

Maximum

Monitoring Trigger

Basis

Insecticide Active Ingredient

Acetamiprid μg/L 6.6 U.S. EPA Office of Pesticides 

Ecotoxicity Database

Carbaryl 2.53 California Department Fish and 

Game Criterion

Cyfluthrin μg/L 0.00022 U.S. EPA Office of Pesticides 

Ecotoxicity Database

Dinotefuran μg/L 79 U.S. EPA Office of Pesticides 

Ecotoxicity Database

Imidacloprid μg/L 3.8 U.S. EPA Office of Pesticides 

Ecotoxicity Database

Naled μg/L 0.014 U.S. EPA Office of Pesticides 

Ecotoxicity Database

Herbicide Active Ingredients

Pyrethrins μg/L 0.14 U.S. EPA Office of Pesticides 

Ecotoxicity Database

Clopyralid μg/L 2,874 U.S. EPA Office of Pesticides 

Ecotoxicity Database

Glyphosate μg/L 700 U.S. EPA primary MCL for 

protection of drinking water 

quality

Triclopyr Butoxyethyl

Ester

μg/L 36 U.S. EPA Office of Pesticides 

Ecotoxicity Database

Fact Sheet 

Acute and Chronic Toxicity (pg D-55)

The narrative toxicity objective contained in the Regional Water Boards’ Basin Plans states that “All waters shall be maintained free of 

toxic substances in concentrations that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life.” For 

compliance with that objective, this General Permit contains a receiving water limitation for toxicity and requires the Discharger to 

implement BMPs to identify corrective actions to reduce or eliminate any toxicity caused by biological and residual pesticides from 

spray applications for pest control.

VII

B. Toxicity Testing Requirements
January 7, 2016

EXAMPLES OF STATE PGP PROVISIONS THAT ADDRESS WQBELs/WQ MONITORING

6

State/ 

Permit

WQBEL Provision

The State Water Board, pursuant to the Porter-Cologne Act and the federal Clean Water Act, customarily requires the discharger to 

conduct toxicity monitoring. In fact, both Acts anticipate discharger self-monitoring. For purposes of this General Permit, the State 

Water Board will require some monitoring by Dischargers, but will initially fund toxicity studies using funds available to the Board. This 

decision is based on the unique circumstances of these permits; the fact that inactive ingredients are customarily inert; that available 

data to DPR indicate the inactive ingredients are unlikely to be toxic in toxic amounts; the unique purposes and application of these 

pesticide discharges; and the public health benefits for the pesticide application. The General Permit will include a reopener in the 

event subsequent studies indicate the presence of toxicity.

CA

CAG990004

General 

NPDES 

Permit for 

Biological and 

Residual 

Pesticide 

Discharges 

From Vector 

Control

http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/board_decisions/adopted_orders/water_quality/2011/wqo2011_0002.pdf

II. A. General Permit Coverage 

This General Permit covers the point source discharge of biological and residual pesticides resulting from direct and spray applications 

for vector control using: 

1) larvicides containing monomolecular films, methoprene, Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies isralensis (or Bti), Bacillus sphaericus (or B. 

Sphaericus), temephos, petroleum distillates, or spinosad; and 2) adulticides containing malathion, naled, pyrethrin, permethrin, 

resmethrin, sumithrin, prallethrin, piperonyl butoxide (PBO), etofenprox, or N-octyl bicycloheptene dicarboximide (or MGK-264). Users 

of products containing these active ingredients are required to obtain coverage under this General Permit prior to application to waters 

of the US. This General Permit only covers the discharge of larvicides and adulticides that are currently registered in California. 

Attachments E and F6 list the currently registered products containing these active ingredients.

IV. DISCHARGE PROHIBITIONS 

A. The discharge of biological and residual pesticides at a location or in a manner different from that described in this General Permit is 

prohibited. 

B. The discharge of biological and residual pesticides shall not create a nuisance as defined in section 13050 of the California Water 

Code. 

C. The discharge of biological and residual pesticides from larvicide and adulticide applications for vector control shall not cause, have a 

reasonable potential to cause, or contribute to an in-stream excursion above any applicable standard or criterion promulgated by U.S. 

EPA pursuant to Section 303 of the CWA, or water quality objective adopted by the State or Regional Water Boards. For larvicide 

applications, this prohibition shall apply outside the treatment area during treatment, and in the treatment area after treatment has 

been completed.

V. EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS 

A. The discharge of biological and residual pesticides must meet applicable water quality standards; and 

B. Dischargers shall implement BMPs when applying pesticides. The BMPs must be provided in the PAP, which is described in Section 

VIII.C. 
January 7, 2016

EXAMPLES OF STATE PGP PROVISIONS THAT ADDRESS WQBELs/WQ MONITORING

7

State/ 

Permit

WQBEL Provision

VI. RECEIVING WATER LIMITATIONS 

The discharge shall not result in any of the following: 

A. Cause or contribute to an exceedance of the numeric Receiving Water Limitation shown in Table 3 below. 

Table 3. Receiving Water Limitation

Ingredient Unit Instantaneous Maximum Basis

Malathion μg/L 0.1 U.S. EPA’s Ambient Water 

Quality Criteria

B. Floating Material. Floating material to be present in amounts that cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses. 

C. Settleable Substances. Substances to be present in concentrations that result in the deposition of material that causes nuisance or 

adversely affects beneficial uses. 

D. Suspended Material. Suspended material to be present in concentrations that cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses. 

E. Taste and Odors. Taste- or odor-producing substances to be present in concentrations that impart undesirable tastes or odors to fish 

flesh or other edible products of aquatic origin, or that cause nuisance, or otherwise adversely affect beneficial uses or domestic or 

municipal water supplies. 

F. Toxic Pollutants. Toxic pollutants to be present in the water column, sediments, or biota in concentrations that adversely affect 

beneficial uses; that produce detrimental response in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life; or that bioaccumulate in aquatic resources 

at levels which are harmful to human health. 

G. Temperature. The ambient temperature to increase more than 5oF. 

H. Color. Esthetically undesirable discoloration. 

I. Aquatic Communities. Aquatic communities and populations, including vertebrates, invertebrates, and plant species to be degraded, 

except for target species.

VII. RECEIVING WATER MONITORING TRIGGERS 

The Receiving Water Monitoring Triggers shown in Table 4 below will be used to assess whether the discharge of residual pesticides has 

the reasonable potential to cause or contribute to an excursion of a water quality standard, including numeric and narrative objectives 

within a standard.

Table 4. Receiving Water Monitoring Triggers
January 7, 2016

EXAMPLES OF STATE PGP PROVISIONS THAT ADDRESS WQBELs/WQ MONITORING

8

State/ 

Permit

WQBEL Provision

Ingredients Units Instantaneous Maximum 

Monitoring Triggers 

Basis

Temephos μg/L 8 U.S. EPA’s Office of Pesticides’ 

Ecotoxicity Database 

Naled μg/L 0.014 U.S. EPA’s Office of Pesticides’ 

Ecotoxicity Database 

Pyrethrin μg/L 0.14 U.S. EPA’s Office of Pesticides’ 

Ecotoxicity Database 

Permethrin μg/L 0.03 California Department of Fish 

and Game’s Ambient Criterion 

Resmethrin μg/L 0.028 U.S. EPA’s Office of Pesticides’ 

Ecotoxicity Database 

Sumithrin μg/L 0.0025 U.S. EPA’s Office of Pesticides’ 

Ecotoxicity Database 

Prallethrin μg/L 0.39 U.S. EPA’s Office of Pesticides’ 

Ecotoxicity Database 

Piperonyl Butoxide (PBO) μg/L 49 U.S. EPA’s Office of Pesticides’ 

Ecotoxicity Database 

PBO (in PBO/Resmethrin 

Mixture) 

μg/L 0.13 U.S. EPA’s Office of Pesticides’ 

Ecotoxicity Database 

PBO (in PBO/Pyrethrin 

Mixture) 

μg/L 0.014 U.S. EPA’s Office of Pesticides’ 

Ecotoxicity Database 

Etofenprox μg/L 0.0019 U.S. EPA’s Office of Pesticides’ 

Ecotoxicity Database 

MGK-264 μg/L 16.9 U.S. EPA’s Office of Pesticides’ 

Ecotoxicity Database 

C. Special Provisions

1. Reopener Provisions

d. Receiving Water Limitations. If monitoring data for residual pesticides show exceedance of monitoring triggers, the Discharger or 

Coalition shall conduct additional investigations to determine the cause of exceedance. At a minimum, the Discharger shall evaluate its 

application methods, BMPs, and the appropriateness of using alternative products. As a result of the evaluation, this General Permit 

may be re-opened to add numeric Receiving Water Limitations for the residual pesticides exceeding the triggers. 
January 7, 2016

EXAMPLES OF STATE PGP PROVISIONS THAT ADDRESS WQBELs/WQ MONITORING

9

State/ 

Permit

WQBEL Provision

2. Special Studies, Technical Reports, and Additional Monitoring Requirements 

Each Discharger must conduct additional investigations when toxicity testing shows toxicity or increased toxicity in the receiving water, 

or when the chemical monitoring shows exceedance of any monitoring trigger. The additional investigations shall identify corrective 

actions to eliminate toxicity and or exceedance of monitoring trigger caused by the pesticide application. The investigation should 

include, but not be limited to, revising and improving the existing BMPs, revising mode of application, using less toxic pesticide products 

or selecting alternative methods for pest control.

FACT SHEET

VII

A. Effluent Monitoring. 

Pursuant to the requirements of 40 C.F.R. § 122.44(i) effluent monitoring is required for all constituents with effluent limitations. 

Effluent monitoring is necessary to assess compliance with effluent limitations, assess the effectiveness of the treatment process, and 

to assess the impacts of the discharge on the receiving water and groundwater The application of pesticides for vector control is not 

necessarily considered a discharge of pollutants according to the National Cotton Council of America v. U.S. EPA decision and other 

applicable case law. The regulated discharge is the discharge of biological and residual pesticides. At what point the pesticide becomes 

a residue is not precisely known. Therefore, in the application of pesticides, the exact effluent is unknown. Thus, effluent monitoring 

requirement is not applicable for applications of pesticides for vector control.

B. Toxicity Testing Requirements 

The State Water Board, pursuant to the Porter-Cologne Act and the federal Clean Water Act, customarily requires the discharger to 

conduct toxicity monitoring. In fact, both Acts anticipate discharger self-monitoring. For purposes of this General Permit, the State 

Water Board will require some monitoring by dischargers, but will initially fund toxicity studies using funds available to the Board. This 

decision is based on the unique circumstances of these permits; the fact that inactive ingredients are customarily inert; that available 

data to DPR indicate the inactive ingredients are unlikely to be toxic in toxic amounts; the unique purposes and application of these 

pesticide discharges; and the public health benefits for the pesticide application. The General Permit will include a reopener in the 

event subsequent studies indicate the presence of toxicity.

CA

CAG990005

General 

NPDES 

Permit for 

Residual 

Aquatic 

Pesticide 

Discharges 

From Algae 

http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/board_decisions/adopted_orders/water_quality/2013/wqo2013_0002dwq.pdf

II. PERMIT COVERAGE AND APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS 

A. General Permit Coverage 

Except for discharges on tribal lands that are regulated by a federal permit, this General Permit covers the point source* discharge to 

waters of the United States of residues resulting from pesticide applications using products containing 2,4-D, acrolein, copper, diquat, 

endothall, fluridone, glyphosate, imazamox, imazapyr, penoxsulam, sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate, and triclopyr-based algaecides 

and aquatic herbicides, and adjuvants containing ingredients represented by the surrogate nonylphenol. This General Permit covers 

only discharges of algaecides, and aquatic herbicides that are currently registered for use in California, or that become registered for 

use and contain the above-listed active ingredients and ingredients represented by the surrogate of nonylphenol.
January 7, 2016

EXAMPLES OF STATE PGP PROVISIONS THAT ADDRESS WQBELs/WQ MONITORING

10

State/ 

Permit

WQBEL Provision

and Aquatic 

Weed Control 

Applications

(eff 12/1/13)

IV. DISCHARGE PROHIBITIONS 

A. The discharge of residual algaecides and aquatic herbicides in a manner different from that described in this General Permit is 

prohibited. 

B. The discharge of residual algaecides and aquatic herbicides shall not create a nuisance as defined in section 13050 of the California 

Water Code. 

C. The discharge shall not cause, have a reasonable potential to cause, or contribute to an in-stream excursion above any applicable 

standard or criterion promulgated by U.S. EPA pursuant to section 303 of the CWA, or water quality objective adopted by the State or 

Regional Water Boards. 

D. All pesticides are prohibited from the waters of the Lahontan Region (Region 6). The use of this permit is invalid in the Lahontan 

Region unless the discharger has requested a prohibition exemption from the Lahontan Water Board and the Lahontan Water Board 

has granted an exemption for the use of algaecides or aquatic herbicides.

V. EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS 

A. The discharge of residual algaecides and aquatic herbicides must meet applicable water quality standards; and 

B. Dischargers shall implement Best Management Practices (BMPs) when applying aquatic algaecides and aquatic herbicides. The BMPs 

must be provided in the APAP which is described in Section VIII.C below. 

VI. RECEIVING WATER LIMITATIONS 

The discharge shall not result in any of the following: 

A. The discharge of residual algaecides and aquatic herbicides shall not cause or contribute to an exceedance of the following 

limitations in the receiving water:*

Table 3. Receiving Water Limitations

Constituent/ 

Parameter 

BENEFICIAL USE1 Basis

MUN, μg/L WARM or 

COLD, μg/L 

Other than MUN, 

WARM, or COLD, 

μg/L 

All Designations 

2,4-D 70 U.S. EPA MCL 

Acrolein2 320 21 780 U.S. EPA Water 

Quality Criteria, 

1986. 

Copper2 Dissolved 

Freshwater3

Copper Chronic = 

0.960exp{0.8545 

California Toxics 

Rule 
January 7, 2016

EXAMPLES OF STATE PGP PROVISIONS THAT ADDRESS WQBELs/WQ MONITORING

11

State/ 

Permit

WQBEL Provision

[ln(hardness4)] –

1.702} 5, 6

Dissolved 

saltwater3 

Copper Chronic = 

0.83exp{0.8545 

[ln(hardness4)] –

1.702} 5,6

Diquat 20 U.S. EPA MCL 

Endothall 100 U.S. EPA MCL 

Fluridone 560 U.S. EPA Integrated 

Risk Information 

System 

Glyphosate 700 U.S. EPA MCL 

Nonylphenol Freshwater Chronic 

Criterion = 6.6 μg/L 

Saltwater Chronic 

Criterion = 1.7 μg/L 

U.S. EPA National 

Recommended 

Ambient Water 

Quality Criteria 

Toxicity Algaecide and aquatic herbicide applications shall not cause or contribute to toxicity in 

receiving water(s). 

Regional Water 

Boards’ Basin Plans 

Notes: 

1. See Regional Water Boards’ Water Quality Control Plans (Basin Plans) for beneficial use definitions. 

2. Public entities and mutual water companies* listed in Attachment G are not required to meet these limitations in receiving waters 

during the exception period described in the APAP and Section VIII.C.10 below. 

3. For waters in which the salinity is equal to or less than 1 part per thousand 95% or more of the time, the freshwater criteria apply. 

For waters in which the salinity is equal to or greater than 10 parts per thousand 95% or more of the time, saltwater criteria apply. For 

waters in which the salinity is between 1 and 10 parts per thousand, the applicable criteria are the more stringent of the freshwater or 

saltwater criteria. 

4. For freshwater aquatic life criteria, waters with a hardness 400 mg/L or less as calcium carbonate, the actual ambient hardness of 

surface water shall be used. For waters with a hardness of over 400 mg/L as calcium carbonate, a hardness of 400 mg/L as calcium 

carbonate shall be used with a default Water-Effect Ratio of 1. 

5. Values should be rounded to two significant figures. 

6. This limitation does not apply to the Sacramento River and its tributaries above the State Highway 32 Bridge at Hamilton City. See 

Table III-1 of the Basin Plan for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins for copper limitation.
January 7, 2016

EXAMPLES OF STATE PGP PROVISIONS THAT ADDRESS WQBELs/WQ MONITORING

12

State/ 

Permit

WQBEL Provision

B. Dissolved Oxygen. Dissolved oxygen to be below the Regional Water Board Basin Plans’ dissolved oxygen objectives for the receiving 

water. 

C. Floating Material. Floating material to be present in the amounts that cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses. 

D. Settleable Substances. Settleable substances to be present in concentrations that result in the deposition of material that causes 

nuisance or adversely affects beneficial uses. 

E. Suspended Material. Suspended material to be present in concentrations that cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses. 

F. Taste and Odors. Taste- or odor-producing substances to be present in concentrations that impart undesirable tastes or odors to fish 

flesh or other edible products of aquatic origin, or that cause nuisance, or otherwise adversely affect beneficial uses or domestic or 

municipal water supplies. 

G. Toxic Pollutants. Toxic pollutants to be present in the water column, sediments, or biota in concentrations that adversely affect 

beneficial uses; that produce detrimental response in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life; or that bioaccumulate in aquatic resources 

at levels which are harmful to human health. 

H. Color. Esthetically undesirable discoloration. 

I. Aquatic Communities. Aquatic communities and populations, including vertebrates, invertebrates, and non-target plant species to be 

degraded.

VII. RECEIVING WATER MONITORING TRIGGERS 

In the absence of Receiving Water Limitations, the Receiving Water Monitoring Triggers shown in Table 4 below will be used to assess 

compliance with the narrative receiving water toxicity limitation. However, exceeding the monitoring trigger does not constitute a 

violation of this General Permit as long as the Discharger performs the following actions: (1) initiates additional investigations for the 

cause of the exceedance; (2) implements additional BMPs to reduce the algaecide and aquatic herbicide residue concentration to be 

below the monitoring triggers in future applications; and (3) evaluates the appropriateness of using alternative products.

Table 4. Receiving Water Monitoring Triggers

Ingredient Unit Instantaneous Maximum 

Monitoring Trigger 

Basis

Imazapyr Mg/L 11.2 U.S. EPA Office of Pesticides 

Ecotoxicity Database 

Triclopyr Triethylamine Mg/L 13.0 U.S. EPA Office of Pesticides 

Ecotoxicity Database 

FACT SHEET

VII.
January 7, 2016

EXAMPLES OF STATE PGP PROVISIONS THAT ADDRESS WQBELs/WQ MONITORING

13

State/ 

Permit

WQBEL Provision

C. Toxicity Testing Requirements 

The State Water Board, pursuant to the Porter-Cologne Act and the federal CWA, customarily requires the Discharger to conduct 

toxicity monitoring. In fact, both Acts anticipate Discharger self-monitoring. However, this General Permit does not require toxicity 

testing based on the 2004 toxicity study funded by the State Water Board and data collected from 2004 to 2008. The toxicity study 

found the following: (1) There was no toxicity with the use of 2,4-D, glyphosate, and triclopyr; (2) Toxicity testing was difficult for 

acrolein due to its volatility; (3) Results were inconclusive for diquat and fluridone; and (4) Peak copper concentrations did not exceed 

toxicity values. The monitoring data collected under Order No. 2004-0009-DWQ from 2004 to 2008 showed that all constituent 

concentrations from post-event application samples were below receiving water limitations except for the following: three exceedances 

each for acrolein and glyphosate and 82 exceedances for copper out of 288 monitoring events. For glyphosate, it is likely that the three 

exceedances were not the result of aquatic herbicide applications because the pre-application samples also showed exceedances and 

the remaining 151 samples showed no exceedance. For copper, 43 of the 82 exceedances were from public agencies or mutual water 

companies that were excepted from meeting priority pollutant limitations during the exception period. The Policy allows the exception. 

Thus, staff did not consider these exceedances as violations of the receiving water limitations. However, 39 of the exceedances were 

from entities that did not have a Policy exception. Although staff considered these exceedances as true violations of the receiving water 

limitations, staff is not aware of any long-term impacts from these exceedances. Long-term impacts from exceedances are likely not 

going to occur for the following reasons: (1) water quality criteria, which are used directly as receiving water limitations in this General 

Permit, have built-in factors of safety; (2) as shown in the 2004 toxicity study, the actual peak concentrations after applications of 

copper did not exceed toxicity values; and (3) the applications are short-term in duration. All of the foregoing information indicates that 

widespread acute ecosystem impacts will not occur from algaecide or aquatic herbicides applied according to their label instructions 

and requirements of this General Permit. Therefore, toxicity monitoring requirements are not necessary.

KY

KYG990000

General 

Permit for 

Pesticide 

Application

http://water.ky.gov/permitting/Documents/Final%20Pesticides%20Permit%20RTC%20KYG990000.pdf

3.0 WATER QUALITY BASED EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS

3.1 Applicable Water Quality Standards

Surface waters shall not be aesthetically or otherwise degraded by substances that:

• Settle to form objectionable deposits

• Float as debris, scum, oil, or other matter to form a nuisance

• Produce objectionable color, odor, taste, or turbidity

• Injure, are chronically or acutely toxic to or produce adverse physiological or behavioral responses in humans, animals, fish, and other 

aquatic life

• Produce undesirable aquatic life or result in the dominance of nuisance species

• Cause fish flesh tainting 

Any discharge that causes or contributes to an excursion of a narrative water quality standard is prohibited and is a violation of this 

permit.

MD http://mde.maryland.gov/programs/Permits/WaterManagementPermits/WaterDischargePermitApplications/Documents/PGP%20Final

%20Permit%20April%208%202011.pdf
January 7, 2016

EXAMPLES OF STATE PGP PROVISIONS THAT ADDRESS WQBELs/WQ MONITORING

14

State/ 

Permit

WQBEL Provision

MDG87

General 

Permit for 

Discharges 

from the 

Application 

of Pesticides

(10/31/

2011)

B. Water Quality-Based Effluent Limitations

The discharge must be controlled as necessary to meet applicable numeric and narrative Maryland water quality standards. If at any 

time the operator becomes aware, or the Department determines, that the discharge causes or contributes to an excursion of 

applicable water quality standards, the operator shall take corrective action as required in Part III.E.

Operators that treat water supply impoundments that are over a half mile long with copper compounds shall not raise copper 

concentrations above the State water quality criteria (9 ug/l) below the outlet of the impoundment and in over one third the crosssectional area of the impoundment.

Operators that treat water supply impoundments that are under a half mile long with copper compounds shall not raise copper 

concentrations above the State water quality criteria below the outlet of the impoundment only.

C. Monitoring Requirements

1. Monitoring Requirements for Pesticide Applicators

a. The operator must monitor the amount of pesticide applied to ensure that the operator is using the lowest amount to effectively 

control the pest, consistent with reducing the potential for development of pest resistance.

b. The operator must also monitor the pesticide application activities to ensure the operator is performing regular maintenance 

activities and to ensure that the application equipment is in proper operating condition to reduce the potential for leaks, spills, or other 

unintended discharge of pesticides to waters of the State.

c. The operator must monitor the pesticide application activities to ensure that the application equipment is in proper operating 

condition by adhering to any manufacturer’s conditions and industry practices, and by calibrating, cleaning, and repairing equipment on 

a regular basis.

2. Visual Monitoring Requirements for all Operators. All operators covered under this permit must conduct a visual monitoring 

assessment (i.e. spot checks in the area to and around where pesticides are applied) for possible and observable adverse incidents, as 

defined in Part II.C, caused by application of pesticides, including but not limited to the unanticipated death or distress of non-target 

organisms and disruption of wildlife habitat, recreational or municipal water use. Visual assessments of the application site must be 

performed:

a. During any post-application surveillance or efficacy check that one conducts, if surveillance or an efficacy check is conducted.

b. During any pesticide application, when considerations for safety and feasibility allow.

ME

MEG140000

Application 

of aquatic 

pesticides for 

control of 

http://www3.epa.gov/region1/npdes/permits/2015/finalmeg140000permit.pdf

C. Applicability and Eligibility

4. Exclusions and restrictions. Authorized aquatic pesticides must be applied in compliance with federal labeling restrictions and in 

compliance with applicable statute, Board of Pesticides Control rules and best management practices. Aerial spraying from aircraft is 

not a method that may be used under this General Permit. 
January 7, 2016

EXAMPLES OF STATE PGP PROVISIONS THAT ADDRESS WQBELs/WQ MONITORING

15

State/ 

Permit

WQBEL Provision

mosquito 

borne 

diseases 

(7/17/2015)

E. AUTHORIZED DISCHARGES 

A permittee covered under this General Permit is authorized to discharge: 1) only in accordance with Special Conditions C, E, and F of 

this General Permit if not required to submit a NOI for approval; 2) only in accordance with the permittee's Notice of intent if required 

to submit a NOI for approval; and 3) only in accordance with the terms and conditions of this General Permit. Discharges of pollutants 

other than the low risk aquatic pesticides as identified in the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's Plan to 

Protect the Public Health from Mosquito-borne Diseases or as approved based on information provided on an applicant's NOI are not 

authorized under this General Permit, and must be reported in accordance with Standard Condition B( 5), Bypasses, of Maine Pollutant 

Discharge Elimination System Permit Standard Conditions Applicable To All Permits, revised July I, 2002, attached to this General Permit.

F. NARRATIVE EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS 

1. An entity covered under this General Permit must not discharge pollutants that cause a visible oil sheen, foam or floating solids at 

any time which would impair the uses designated for the classification of waters of the State beyond the project area. 

2. An entity covered under this General Permit must not discharge pollutants that contain materials in concentrations or combinations 

which are hazardous or toxic to aquatic life, or which would impair the uses designated for the classification of waters of the State 

beyond the project area. 

3. An entity covered under this General Permit must not discharge pollutants that cause visible discoloration or turbidity in waters of 

the State beyond the project area that causes those waters to be unsuitable for the designated uses and characteristics ascribed to 

their class. 

4. An entity covered under this General Permit must not discharge pollutants that that lower the quality of any water of the State 

beyond the project area below such classification, or lowers the existing quality of any water of the State beyond the project area if the 

existing quality is higher than the classification. 

ME

MEG150000

Application 

of Herbicides 

for Control of 

Invasive 

Aquatic 

Plants 

(10/4/2011)

http://www3.epa.gov/region1/npdes/permits/2011/MEG150000.pdf

C. Applicability and Coverage

4 Concentrations and Application Rates. Maximum application rates and water concentrations shall comply with amounts specified on 

USEPA registered product labels and as specified in this permit. The IASP will calculate actual dosages based upon the particular species 

pursuant to the table of target concentrations in the Fact Sheet, degree of spread, site conditions, and other appropriate factors, and 

shall supply this information with the NOI. The IASP shall comply with all applicable state laws.

D. DISCHARGE CONCENTRATION LIMITS:

In conducting an approved invasive plant treatment program, herbicide concentrations developed in the waterbody shall at no time 

exceed USEPA approved label rates. To achieve greater protection of non-target organisms and resources while still achieving 
January 7, 2016

EXAMPLES OF STATE PGP PROVISIONS THAT ADDRESS WQBELs/WQ MONITORING

16

State/ 

Permit

WQBEL Provision

treatment efficacy, application rates of herbicides will be designed to not exceed the following concentrations which are all at or below 

label rates, as described in the Fact Sheet.

Table 1. Maximum volume-weighted concentration for authorized herbicides.

Herbicides 2, 4-D

Liq or Solid

AE

Diquat

Liq, Cation

Equivalent

Endothall

Liq or Solid

AE

Fluridone

Liquid

AE

Fluridone

Solid

AE

Triclopyr

Liq or Solid

AE

Max Permit 

Conc.

4.0 ppm 0.35 ppm 5.0 ppm 0.05 ppm 0.06 ppm 2.5 ppm

Aquatic plants designated by the Department as invasive after the effective date of this permit pursuant to 38 M.R.S.A. §466, sub-§8-A 

may be treated with an authorized herbicide provided that at no time shall the concentration exceed the highest specified for any of 

the herbicides in

Table 1.

E. MONITORING

1. Herbicide Concentration Monitoring. Unless otherwise designated in the NOI, herbicide sampling will occur at location(s) below and 

as specified on a map submitted with the NOI. Monitoring regimes are determined by general treatment type and include the following:

a. Whole Lake Treatment: The IASP shall monitor treated waters according to the schedule in Table 2 below to track herbicide 

concentrations and dissipation rates to ensure accurate and effective application. Sample collection shall occur at the most 

representative location, usually at the deepest part of the treated waterbody.

b. Spot or area treatment: The IASP shall monitor treated waters according to the schedule in Table 2 below to track herbicide 

concentrations and dissipation rates to ensure accurate and effective application. Sample collection shall occur within the treated area 

at a location(s) representative of the characteristics (depth, density of plant growth, substrate) of the treated area. For treatment 

programs with multiple treatment areas, no more than three individual treatment areas within the waterbody must be monitored.

[Table 2 omitted here. Tables 2 species for each of 5 herbicides timing, type and location of first, second and ongoing sampling].

2. Water Quality Monitoring. The IASP will sample lake water quality at least twice per field season (once in May or June and once in 

August or September) in which a whole-lake treatment occurs for the following parameters: temperature-oxygen profile, Secchi disk 

transparency, and total phosphorous.

Plant community monitoring also specified. (E.3).

ME http://www3.epa.gov/region1/npdes/permits/2014/finalmeg180000permit.pdf
January 7, 2016

EXAMPLES OF STATE PGP PROVISIONS THAT ADDRESS WQBELs/WQ MONITORING

17

State/ 

Permit

WQBEL Provision

MEG180000

General 

Permit for 

Application 

of Pisicides 

for Control of 

Invasive 

Fishes

(8/29/2014)

E. AUTHORIZED DISCHARGES 

A permittee covered under this General Permit is authorized to discharge: 1) only in accordance with specific approval provided by the 

Department based on an accepted Notice of Intent; and 2) only in accordance with the terms and conditions of this General Permit. 

Discharges of pollutants from any other point source are not authorized under this General Permit, and must be reported in accordance 

with Standard Condition B(5), Bypasses, of Maine Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit Standard Conditions Applicable To All 

Permits, revised July 1, 2002, attached to this General Permit.

F. NARRATIVE EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS 

1. The permittee must not discharge pollutants that cause a visible oil sheen, foam or floating solids at any time which would impair the 

usages designated for the classification of waters of the State beyond the project area. 

2. The permittee must not discharge pollutants that contain materials in concentrations or combinations which are hazardous or toxic 

to aquatic life, or which would impair the usages designated for the classification of waters of the State beyond the project area. 

3. The permittee must not discharge pollutants that cause visible discoloration or turbidity in waters of the State beyond the project 

area that causes those waters to be unsuitable for the designated uses and characteristics ascribed to their class. 

4. The permittee must not discharge pollutants that that lower the quality of any water of the State beyond the project area below such 

classification, or lowers the existing quality of any water of the State beyond the project area if the existing quality is higher than the 

classification. 

H. AMBIENT WATER QUALITY MONITORING 

The permittee must develop an ambient water quality monitoring plan for the treatment area and the project area that incorporates 

conditions for biological monitoring, water quality monitoring, and in-stream piscicide concentration monitoring. All proposed sampling 

locations must be labeled and denoted on a map included as part of the ambient water quality monitoring plan. The ambient water 

quality monitoring plan is subject to review and approval by the Department in its decision-making authority on a Notice of Intent for 

coverage under this General Permit. Recent, relevant biological monitoring and water chemistry data may be proposed for 

consideration provided such data are representative of conditions at the time the piscicide treatment plan is executed. 

1. Biological monitoring. Biological monitoring must consist of a fish survey and an assessment for the presence of threatened or 

endangered species that may be adversely affected by the treatment and measures proposed to protect threatened or endangered 

species. 

2. Water quality. Water quality must consist of dissolved oxygen, water temperature profile, pH, alkalinity, conductivity, and Secchi disk 

transparency for Class GPA waters. 

3. Piscicide monitoring. Piscicide monitoring must consist of samples collected from the treatment area and project area, or in the 

alternative if direct analysis is not possible, through sentinel species cage(s) placed at representative locations within the treatment and 

project areas. Species utilized for sentinel monitoring must represent resident species within the project area. 
January 7, 2016

EXAMPLES OF STATE PGP PROVISIONS THAT ADDRESS WQBELs/WQ MONITORING

18

State/ 

Permit

WQBEL Provision

[Sub-sections 4 (Timing), 5 (Sampling Methodology) and 6 (Reporting) omitted here].

ME

MEG230000

General 

Permit for 

the Discharge 

of Pesticides

(3/2/2015)

http://www3.epa.gov/region1/npdes/permits/2015/finalmeg230000permit.pdf

C. APPLICABILITY AND COVERAGE 

Coverage under this GP is limited to those receiving waters that conform to the Area of Coverage described below. Applicability of 

this GP is limited to activities that are in conformance with the terms and conditions of this GP. 

1. Area of Coverage. The geographic area covered by this general permit is the entire State of Maine. This general permit covers 

application of pesticides by a licensed applicator for uses in proximity of fresh and marine waters of the State classified by Maine's 

water classification laws as Class GP A, Class AA, Class A, Class B, Class C, Class SA, Class SB or Class SC waters of the State, 

tributaries to Class GP A waters, and those waters having a drainage area of less than 10 square miles. 

2. General Restrictions. Permittees covered by this GP shall use best management practices (BMPs) contained in the MBPC's most 

current guidance for successful treatment of target pest species while adhering to USEPA registered product label requirements 

and limiting impacts to non-target organisms and resources to the extent practicable. The Department may deny the application(s) 

of pesticides when it determines that proposed pesticide applications will be ineffective in controlling the target species, or that 

the methods and materials proposed do not adequately ensure protection of non-target resources or organisms.

F. NARRATIVE EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS 

1. The effluent shall not contain a visible oil sheen, foam, or floating solids which would impair the uses designated for the 

classification of the receiving waters. 

2. The effluent shall not contain materials in concentrations or combinations which are hazardous or toxic to aquatic life; or which 

would impair the uses designated for the classification of the receiving waters. 

3. The discharge shall not impart color, taste, turbidity, toxicity, radioactivity or other properties which cause those waters to be 

unsuitable for the designated uses and characteristics ascribed to their class. 

4. Notwithstanding specific conditions of this permit, the effluent must not lower the quality of any classified body of water below 

such classification, or lower the existing quality of any body of water if the existing quality is higher than the classification.

3.0 WATER QUALITY-BASED EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS 
January 7, 2016

EXAMPLES OF STATE PGP PROVISIONS THAT ADDRESS WQBELs/WQ MONITORING

19

State/ 

Permit

WQBEL Provision

All Operators must control discharges as necessary to meet applicable numeric and narrative state water quality standards, for any 

discharges authorized under this permit, with compliance required upon beginning such discharge. 

If at any time an Operator becomes aware (e.g., through self-monitoring or by notification from a state or federal agency), or the 

Department determines, that the Operator's discharge causes or contributes to non-attainment of any applicable water quality 

standard, the Operator must take corrective action as required in Part II §6, up to and including the ceasing of the discharge, if 

necessary.

4.0 MONITORING 

4.1 Visual Monitoring Requirements for Pesticide Applicators -During any pesticide application with discharges authorized under 

this permit, all Applicators must, when considerations for safety and feasibility allow, visually assess the area to and around where 

pesticides are applied for possible and observable adverse incidents, as defined in Part I B, caused by application of pesticides, 

including the unanticipated death or distress of non-target organisms and disruption of wildlife habitat, recreational or municipal 

water use. 

4.2 Visual Monitoring Requirements for all Operators -During any Operator post-application surveillance of any pesticide application 

with discharges authorized under this permit, all Operators must visually assess the area to and around where pesticides were 

applied for possible and observable adverse incidents, as defined in Part I B, caused by application of pesticides, including the 

unanticipated death or distress of non-target organisms and disruption of wildlife habitat, recreational or municipal water use. 

Special Condition 8.0, Additional Monitoring Requirements, reserves the right, after notice to a permittee, for the Department to (1) 

control specific pollutants or conduct whole effluent toxicity where there is a reasonable potential that a discharge may cause or 

contribute to water quality criteria or water quality standards to be exceeded: (2) require additional monitoring if results on file are 

inconclusive; or (3) change monitoring requirements or limitations based on new information.

ND

NDG870000

Application 

of Pesticides 

to Waters of 

the State

http://www.ndhealth.gov/wq/sw/Z7_Publications/PesticideDischargeGeneralPermit.pdf

B. Water Quality-Based Effluent Limitations

Your discharge must be controlled as necessary to meet applicable numeric and narrative state water quality standards. If at any time 

you or the department becomes aware that your discharge causes or contributes to an excursion of applicable water quality standards, 

you must take corrective action.

The State Water Quality Standards (NDAC 33-16-02.1) describe the numerical and general narrative criteria that apply to all “waters of 

the state”. Numeric and narrative criteria are elements of the water quality standards which set limitations on the permissible amounts 

of a substance or other characteristics for waters of the state. The general narrative criteria, as described in the State Water Quality 

Standards, limit discharges to maintain aesthetics, color, turbidity, the biologic and aquatic community integrity, and many other 

elements in the receiving water body. Any noncompliance with the numerical or general narrative criteria is not authorized under this 

permit.
January 7, 2016

EXAMPLES OF STATE PGP PROVISIONS THAT ADDRESS WQBELs/WQ MONITORING

20

State/ 

Permit

WQBEL Provision

The department has made the determination that the application of pesticides in accordance with controls required by this permit, 

NDDA regulations and the pesticide labeling will comply with State Water Quality Standards. However, any pesticide application which 

results in a long-term or permanent impact on a water use may be subject to enforcement action and/or be required to obtain an 

individual permit under the NDPDES program.

C. Monitoring

The permittees (operators) shall do the following:

Monitor all pesticide application activities to ensure proper equipment operation and to obtain the information identified under the 

recordkeeping requirements.

Visually monitor the pesticide application area, where practical, for possible and observable adverse impacts caused by the pesticide 

application. If an adverse impact is observed provide a report as outlined in Part II.A, Incident Reporting.

NV

NVG870001

General 

Pesticide 

Permit

(10/31/2011)

http://ndep.nv.gov/docs_11/nvg870001_permit2011.pdf

B. DISCHARGE LIMITATIONS, REQUIREMENTS AND CONDITIONS

B.1. During the period beginning on the effective date of this general permit, and lasting until it expires, pesticide discharge activities 

shall be limited and, as applicable, monitored by the operator as specified the sections below.

B.2. Minimize Pesticide Discharges to Waters of the U.S.: Operators shall minimize the discharge of pollutants resulting from the 

application of pesticides. Operators shall also do the following:

B.2.1. Use the amount of pesticide product per application and optimum frequency of pesticide applications necessary to control the 

target pest - this amount shall also be consistent with reducing the potential for development of pest resistance;

B.2.2. Perform regular maintenance activities to reduce leaks, spills, or other unintended discharges of pesticides associated with the 

application of pesticides covered under this permit; and

B.2.3. Maintain pesticide application equipment in proper operating condition by adhering to any manufacturer’s conditions and 

industry practices, and by calibrating, cleaning, and repairing such equipment on a regular basis to ensure effective pesticide application 

and pest control.

B.2.4. Operators shall ensure that the equipment’s rate of pesticide application is calibrated to deliver the precise quantity of pesticide 

needed to achieve greatest efficacy against the target pest.

A.9. Narrative Standards: Pursuant to Nevada Administrative Code (NAC) 445A.121, pesticide discharges shall not cause the following 

standards to be violated in any surface Waters of the U.S. Waters shall be free from: 

A.9.1. Substances that will settle to form sludge or bottom deposits in amounts sufficient to be unsightly, putrescent, or odorous; 
January 7, 2016

EXAMPLES OF STATE PGP PROVISIONS THAT ADDRESS WQBELs/WQ MONITORING

21

State/ 

Permit

WQBEL Provision

A.9.2. Floating debris, oil, grease, scum, and other floating materials in amounts sufficient to be unsightly; 

A.9.3. Materials in amounts sufficient to produce taste or odor in the water, detectable off-flavor in the flesh of fish, or in amounts 

sufficient to change the existing color, turbidity, or other conditions in the receiving stream to such a degree as to create a public 

nuisance; 

A.9.4. High temperature; biocides; organisms pathogenic to human beings; or toxic, corrosive, or other deleterious substances at levels 

or combinations sufficient to be toxic to human, animal, plant, or aquatic life; 

A.9.5. Radioactive materials resulting in accumulations of radioactivity in plants or animals hazardous or harmful to humans or aquatic 

life; 

A.9.6. Untreated or uncontrolled wastes or effluents that are reasonably amenable to treatment or control; and 

A.9.7. Substances or conditions which interfere with the beneficial use of the receiving waters. 

A.9.8. Narrative standards are not considered violated when the natural conditions of the receiving water are outside the established 

limits, including periods of high or low flow. Where effluents are discharged to such waters, the discharges are not considered a 

contributor to substandard conditions provided that compliance with permit requirements is maintained.

B. DISCHARGE LIMITATIONS, REQUIREMENTS AND CONDITIONS 

B.1. During the period beginning on the effective date of this general permit, and lasting until it expires, pesticide discharge activities 

shall be limited and, as applicable, monitored by the operator as specified the sections below. 

[B.2-B.4 omitted here].

B.5. Pest Management Area Description – Operators shall document the following: 

[B.5.1-B.5.3 omitted here].

B.5.4. Water quality standards: Document and describe any water quality standards applicable to waters to which they may discharge, 

including the list of pesticide(s) or any pollutants for which the water is impaired as defined in Section C.20. 

[B.6-B.9 omitted here].

B.10. Best Management Practices (BMP) 
January 7, 2016

EXAMPLES OF STATE PGP PROVISIONS THAT ADDRESS WQBELs/WQ MONITORING

22

State/ 

Permit

WQBEL Provision

B.10.1 Operators shall implement BMPs prior to commencement of discharge. 

B.10.2 Operators shall maintain BMP requirements to ensure compliance with the terms and conditions of this general permit -

GNVPGP11. All pesticide control measures and other protective measures shall be maintained in effective operating condition; 

B.10.3 Operators shall make all BMP records and plans available to the Division upon request. 

B.10.4 If existing BMPs need to be modified or additional BMPs are necessary, implementation shall be completed as soon as possible.

C.1. Monitoring 

C.1.1. Visual Monitoring Requirements: Operators covered under this permit shall monitor the area to and around which pesticides are 

applied for possible and observable adverse incidents, caused by application of pesticides. This includes, but is not limited to, the 

unanticipated death or distress of non-target organisms and disruption of wildlife habitat, and recreational or municipal water use. 

Visual assessments of the application site shall be performed: 

C.1.1.1. During any pesticide application, when considerations for safety and feasibility allow; 

C.1.1.2. During any post-application surveillance or efficacy check, if surveillance or an efficacy check is conducted.