In most cases, the occurrence and relative concentrations of pesticides in storm runoff from agricultural and urban areas were related to pesticide applications. Some pesticides detected frequently, and in relatively high concentrations, in the storm drains did not relate to reported use. However, unlike agricultural use, reporting of pesticide use in urban areas is incomplete and only includes use by licensed pest control operators. These numeric objectives are often called criteria for protection of aquatic life. Both acute and chronic criteria exist.
Acute criteria provide limits for a high level, one-time exposure.
Chronic criteria provide the maximum allowable concentration assuming repeated long-term exposure. Begin immediate phase-out of diazinon and chlorpyrifos to stop the toxic flows in California surface waters. To prevent the further degradation of California's waterways, both for the restoration of a healthy ecosystem and the maintenance of safe drinking water sources, agricultural entities that apply pesticides should be required to monitor their discharges into nearby waterways and apply for permits to discharge pesticides into our creeks, rivers, lakes and estuaries. A Modesto dairyman asked if a month's interest was payable on a terminated employees accrued vacation time. Not that I can see.