Section 18B.08 Chemigation

MINNESOTA STATUTES AND CODES

18B.08 CHEMIGATION.

Subdivision 1.Permit required.

(a) A person may not apply pesticides through an irrigation system without a chemigation permit from the commissioner. A chemigation permit is required for one or more wells or other sources of irrigation water that are protected from contamination by devices as required by rule. The commissioner may allow irrigation to be used to apply pesticides on crops and land, including agricultural, nursery, turf, golf course, and greenhouse sites.

(b) A person must apply for a chemigation permit on forms prescribed by the commissioner.

Subd. 2.Pesticide.

A pesticide used under a chemigation permit must be suitable and labeled for application through an irrigation system.

Subd. 3.Equipment.

A chemigation system must be fitted with effective antisiphon devices or check valves that prevent the backflow of pesticides or pesticide-water mixtures into water supplies or other materials during times of irrigation system failure or equipment shutdown. The devices or valves must be installed between:

(1) the irrigation system pump or water source discharge and the point of pesticide injection; and

(2) the point of pesticide injection and the pesticide supply.

Subd. 4.Application fee.

A person applying for a chemigation permit must pay a nonrefundable application fee of $250. A person who holds a fertilizer chemigation permit under section 18C.205, is exempt from the fee in this subdivision.