The deadline for chemigation permits is quickly approaching. To avoid a late fee, farmers and producers must submit their applications to the Colorado Department of Agriculture by March 31. Last year, the Department issued more than 3,200 chemigation permits across the state, said Don Gallegos, coordinator of the CDA chemigation program.
Routine inspections are also an important part of the program.
We inspect the irrigation systems of all permit holders every two years to ensure that all systems are working properly. Individuals are required to have a permit if they use chemigation, which involves applying agricultural chemicals such as pesticides and fertilizers to land or crops in or with water through a closed irrigation system. A closed system includes any device with a hose, pipe or other conduit that connects directly to a water source and is used to apply the chemical-water mixture for agricultural or horticultural purposes. This permit is not required of individuals who apply chemicals through an open discharge system.