Virginia Law

Any operator who is authorized to discharge shall comply with the requirements contained in this general permit and be subject to all requirements of 9VAC25-31-170.

General Permit No.: VAG87
Effective Date: March 1, 2024
Expiration Date: February 28, 2029

GENERAL PERMIT FOR DISCHARGES RESULTING FROM THE APPLICATION OF PESTICIDES TO SURFACE WATERS OF VIRGINIA

AUTHORIZATION TO DISCHARGE UNDER THE VIRGINIA POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM AND THE VIRGINIA STATE WATER CONTROL LAW

In compliance with the provisions of the Clean Water Act (33 USC § 1251 et seq.), as amended, and pursuant to the State Water Control Law and regulations adopted pursuant thereto, operators that apply pesticides that result in a discharge to surface waters are authorized to discharge to surface waters within the boundaries of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The authorized discharge shall be in accordance with this cover page, Part I-Effluent Limitations, Monitoring Requirements, and Special Conditions, and Part II-Conditions Applicable to All VPDES Permits, as set forth in this general permit. Coverage under this VPDES general permit does not relieve any operator of the responsibility to comply with any other applicable federal, state, or local statute, ordinance, or regulation, including the pesticide product label.

Part I

Effluent Limitations, Monitoring Requirements, and Special Conditions

A. Effluent limitations.

1. Technology-based effluent limitations. To meet the effluent limitations in this permit, the operator shall implement pest management measures that minimize discharges of pesticides to surface waters.

a. Minimize pesticide discharges to surface waters from pesticide application. All operators who perform the application of pesticides or who have day-to-day control of applications shall minimize the discharge of pollutants resulting from the application of pesticides, and:

(1) Use the lowest effective amount of pesticide product per application and optimum frequency of pesticide applications necessary to control the target pest, consistent with reducing the potential for development of pest resistance without exceeding the maximum allowable rate of the product label;

(2) No person shall apply, dispense, or use any pesticide in or through any equipment or application apparatus unless the equipment or apparatus is in sound mechanical condition and capable of satisfactory operation. All pesticide application equipment shall be properly equipped to dispense the proper amount of material. All pesticide mixing, storage, or holding tanks, whether on application equipment or not, shall be leak proof. All spray distribution systems shall be leak proof, and any pumps that these systems may have shall be capable of operating at sufficient pressure to ensure a uniform and adequate rate of pesticide application;

(3) All pesticide application equipment shall be equipped with cut-off valves and discharge orifices to enable the operator to pass over nontarget areas without contaminating them. All hoses, pumps, or other equipment used to fill pesticide handling, storage, or application equipment shall be fitted with an effective valve or device to prevent backflow into water supply systems, streams, lakes, other sources of water, or other materials. However, these backflow devices or valves are not required for separate water storage tanks used to fill pesticide application equipment by gravity systems when the fill spout, tube, or pipe is not allowed to contact or fall below the water level of the application equipment being filled, and no other possible means of establishing a back siphon or backflow exists; and

(4) Assess weather conditions (e.g., temperature, precipitation, and wind speed) in the treatment area to ensure application is consistent with product label requirements.

b. Integrated pest management (IPM) practices. The operator with control over the financing for or the decision to perform pesticide applications that result in discharges, including the ability to modify those decisions, shall to the extent practicable consider integrated pest management practices to ensure that discharges resulting from the application of pesticides to surface waters are minimized. Operators that exceed the annual treatment area thresholds established in 9VAC25-800-30 C are also required to maintain a pesticide discharge management plan (PDMP) in accordance with Part I C of this permit. The PDMP documents the operator's IPM practices.

The operator's IPM practices shall consider the following for each pesticide use pattern:

(Note: If the operator's discharge of pollutants results from the application of a pesticide that is being used solely for the purpose of "pesticide research and development," as defined in 9VAC25-800-10, the operator is only required to fully implement IPM practices to the extent that the requirements do not compromise the research design.)

(1) Mosquito and other flying insect pest control. This Part I A 1 b (1) applies to discharges resulting from the application of pesticides to control public health, nuisance and other flying insect pests that develop or are present during a portion of their life cycle in or above standing or flowing water.

(a) Identify the problem. Prior to the first pesticide application covered under this permit that will result in a discharge to surface waters, and at least once each calendar year thereafter prior to the first pesticide application for that calendar year, the operator shall consider the following for each pest management area:

(i) Identify target pests;

(ii) Establish densities for pest populations or identify environmental conditions, either current or based on historical data, to serve as action thresholds for implementing pest management measures;

(iii) Identify known breeding sites for source reduction, larval control program, and habitat management;

(iv) Analyze existing surveillance data to identify new or unidentified sources of pest problems as well as sites that have recurring pest problems; and

(v) In the event there are no data for the pest management area in the past calendar year, use other available data as appropriate to meet the conditions in Part I A 1 b (1) (a).

(b) Pest management options. Prior to the first pesticide application covered under this permit that will result in a discharge to surface waters, and at least once each calendar year thereafter prior to the first pesticide application for that calendar year, the operator shall select and implement for each pest management area efficient and effective pest management measures that minimize discharges resulting from application of pesticides to control mosquitoes or other flying insect pests. In developing these pest management measures, the operator shall evaluate the following management options, including a combination of these options, considering impact to water quality, impact to nontarget organisms, pest resistance, feasibility, and cost effectiveness:

(i) No action;

(ii) Prevention;

(iii) Mechanical or physical methods;

(iv) Cultural methods;

(v) Biological control; and

(vi) Pesticides.

(c) Pesticide use. If a pesticide is selected to manage mosquitoes or flying insect pests and application of the pesticide will result in a discharge to surface waters, the operator shall:

(i) Conduct larval or adult surveillance in an area that is representative of the pest problem or evaluate existing larval surveillance data, environmental conditions, or data from adjacent areas prior to each pesticide application to assess the pest management area and to determine when the action threshold is met;

(ii) Reduce the impact on the environment and on nontarget organisms by applying the pesticide only when the action threshold has been met;

(iii) In situations or locations where practicable and feasible for efficacious control, use larvicides as a preferred pesticide for mosquito or flying insect pest control when larval action thresholds have been met; and

(iv) In situations or locations where larvicide use is not practicable or feasible for efficacious control, use adulticides for mosquito or flying insect pest control when adult action thresholds have been met.

(2) Weed and algae pest control. This Part I A 1 b (2) applies to discharges resulting from the application of pesticides to control weeds, algae, and pathogens that are pests in surface waters.

(a) Identify the problem. Prior to the first pesticide application covered under this permit that will result in a discharge to surface waters, and at least once each calendar year thereafter prior to the first pesticide application for that calendar year, the operator shall consider the following for each pest management area:

(i) Identify target pests;

(ii) Identify areas with pest problems and characterize the extent of the problems, including, for example, water use goals not attained (e.g., wildlife habitat, fisheries, vegetation, and recreation);

(iii) Identify possible factors causing or contributing to the pest problem (e.g., nutrients, invasive species, etc.);

(iv) Establish past or present pest densities to serve as action thresholds for implementing pest management strategies; and

(v) In the event there are no data for the pest management area in the past calendar year, use other available data as appropriate to meet the conditions in Part I A 1 b (2) (a).

(b) Pest management options. Prior to the first pesticide application covered under this permit that will result in a discharge to surface waters, and at least once each calendar year thereafter prior to the first pesticide application for that calendar year, the operator shall select and implement, for each pest management area, efficient and effective pest management measures that minimize discharges resulting from application of pesticides to control pests. In developing these pest management measures, the operator shall evaluate the following management options, including a combination of these options, considering impact to water quality, impact to nontarget organisms, pest resistance, feasibility, and cost effectiveness:

(i) No action;

(ii) Prevention;

(iii) Mechanical or physical methods;

(iv) Cultural methods;

(v) Biological control; and

(vi) Pesticides.

(c) Pesticide use. If a pesticide is selected to manage pests and application of the pesticide will result in a discharge to surface waters, the operator shall:

(i) Conduct surveillance in an area that is representative of the pest problem prior to each pesticide application to assess the pest management area and to determine when the action threshold is met that necessitates the need for pest management; and

(ii) Reduce the impact on the environment and nontarget organisms by applying the pesticide only when the action threshold has been met.

(3) Animal pest control. This Part I A 1 b (3) applies to discharges resulting from the application of pesticides to control animal pests in surface waters.

(a) Identify the problem. Prior to the first pesticide application covered under this permit that will result in a discharge to surface waters, and at least once each calendar year thereafter prior to the first pesticide application for that calendar year, the operator shall consider the following for each pest management area:

(i) Identify target pests;

(ii) Identify areas with pest problems and characterize the extent of the problems, including, for example, water use goals not attained (e.g., wildlife habitat, fisheries, vegetation, and recreation);

(iii) Identify possible factors causing or contributing to the problem (e.g., nutrients and invasive species);

(iv) Establish past or present pest densities to serve as action thresholds for implementing pest management strategies; and

(v) In the event there are no data for the pest management area in the past calendar year, use other available data as appropriate to meet the conditions in Part I A 1 b (3) (a).

(b) Pest management options. Prior to the first pesticide application covered under this permit that will result in a discharge to surface waters, and at least once each year thereafter prior to the first pesticide application during that calendar year, the operator shall select and implement, for each pest management area, efficient and effective pest management measures that minimize discharges resulting from application of pesticides to control animal pests. In developing these pest management measures, the operator shall evaluate the following management options, including a combination of these options, considering impact to water quality, impact to nontarget organisms, pest resistance, feasibility, and cost effectiveness:

(i) No action;

(ii) Prevention;

(iii) Mechanical or physical methods;

(iv) Cultural methods;

(v) Biological control; and

(vi) Pesticides.

(c) Pesticide use. If a pesticide is selected to manage animal pests and application of the pesticide will result in a discharge to surface waters, the operator shall:

(i) Conduct surveillance prior to each application to assess the pest management area and to determine when the action threshold is met that necessitates the need for pest management; and

(ii) Reduce the impact on the environment and nontarget organisms by evaluating site restrictions, application timing, and application method in addition to applying the pesticide only when the action threshold has been met.

(4) Forest canopy pest control. This Part I A 1 b (4) applies to discharges resulting from the application of pesticides to the forest canopy to control the population of a pest species where, to target the pests effectively, a portion of the pesticide unavoidably will be applied over and deposited to surface waters.

(a) Identify the problem. Prior to the first pesticide application covered under this permit that will result in a discharge to surface waters, and at least once each calendar year thereafter prior to the first pesticide application in that calendar year, the operator shall consider the following for each pest management area:

(i) Identify target pests;

(ii) Establish target pest densities to serve as action thresholds for implementing pest management measures;

(iii) Identify current distribution of the target pest and assess potential distribution in the absence of pest management measures; and

(iv) In the event there are no data for the pest management area in the past calendar year, use other available data as appropriate to meet the conditions in Part I A 1 b (4) (a).

(b) Pest management options. Prior to the first pesticide application covered under this permit that will result in a discharge to surface waters, and at least once each calendar year thereafter prior to the first pesticide application for that calendar year, the operator shall select and implement for each pest management area efficient and effective pest management measures that minimize discharges resulting from application of pesticides to control forestry pests. In developing these pest management measures, the operator shall evaluate the following management options, including a combination of these options, considering impact to water quality, impact to nontarget organisms, pest resistance, feasibility, and cost effectiveness:

(i) No action;

(ii) Prevention;

(iii) Mechanical or physical methods;

(iv) Cultural methods;

(v) Biological control; and

(vi) Pesticides.

(c) Pesticide use. If a pesticide is selected to manage forestry pests and application of the pesticide will result in a discharge to surface waters, the operator shall:

(i) Conduct surveillance prior to each application to assess the pest management area and to determine when the pest action threshold is met that necessitates the need for pest management;

(ii) Assess environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, precipitation, and wind speed) in the treatment area to identify conditions that support target pest development and are conducive for treatment activities;

(iii) Reduce the impact on the environment and nontarget organisms by evaluating the restrictions, application timing, and application methods in addition to applying the pesticide only when the action thresholds have been met; and

(iv) Evaluate using pesticides against the most susceptible developmental stage.

(5) Intrusive vegetation pest control. This Part I A 1 b (5) applies to discharges resulting from the application of pesticides along roads, ditches, canals, waterways, and utility rights of way where, to target the intrusive pests effectively, a portion of the pesticide will unavoidably be applied over and deposited to surface waters.

(a) Identify the problem. Prior to the first pesticide application covered under this permit that will result in a discharge to surface waters, and at least once each calendar year thereafter prior to the first pesticide application in that calendar year, the operator shall consider the following for each pest management area:

(i) Identify target pests;

(ii) Establish target pest densities to serve as action thresholds for implementing pest management measures;

(iii) Identify current distribution of the target pest and assess potential distribution in the absence of pest management measures; and

(iv) In the event there are no data for the pest management area in the past calendar year, use other available data as appropriate to meet the conditions in Part I A 1 b (5) (a).

(b) Pest management options. Prior to the first pesticide application covered under this permit that will result in a discharge to surface waters, and at least once each calendar year thereafter prior to the first pesticide application for that calendar year, the operator shall select and implement for each pest management area efficient and effective pest management measures that minimize discharges resulting from application of pesticides to intrusive vegetation pests. In developing these pest management measures, the operator shall evaluate the following management options, including a combination of these options, considering impact to water quality, impact to nontarget organisms, pest resistance, feasibility, and cost effectiveness:

(i) No action;

(ii) Prevention;

(iii) Mechanical or physical methods;

(iv) Cultural methods;

(v) Biological control; and

(vi) Pesticides.

(c) Pesticide use. If a pesticide is selected to manage intrusive vegetation pests and application of the pesticide will result in a discharge to surface waters, the operator shall:

(i) Conduct surveillance prior to each application to assess the pest management area and to determine when the pest action threshold is met that necessitates the need for pest management;

(ii) Assess environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, precipitation, and wind speed) in the treatment area to identify conditions that support target pest development and are conducive for treatment activities;

(iii) Reduce the impact on the environment and nontarget organisms by evaluating the restrictions, application timing, and application methods in addition to applying the pesticide only when the action thresholds have been met; and

(iv) Evaluate using pesticides against the most susceptible developmental stage.

2. Water quality-based effluent limitations. The operator's discharge of pollutants must be controlled as necessary to meet applicable numeric and narrative water quality standards for any discharges authorized under this permit, with compliance required upon beginning such discharge.

If at any time the operator become aware, or the department determines, that the operator's discharge of pollutants causes or contributes to an excursion of applicable water quality standards, corrective action must be taken as required in Part I D 1 of this permit.

B. Monitoring requirements.

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 caused by application of pesticides, including the unanticipated death or distress of nontarget organisms and disruption of wildlife habitat, recreational, or municipal water use.

A visual monitoring assessment is only required during the pesticide application when feasibility and safety allow. For example, visual monitoring assessment is not required during the course of treatment when that treatment is performed in darkness as it would be infeasible to note adverse effects under these circumstances. Visual monitoring assessments of the application site must be performed:

1. During any post-application surveillance or efficacy check that the operator conducts, if surveillance or an efficacy check is conducted.

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

C. Pesticide discharge management plan (PDMP). Any operator applying pesticides and exceeding the annual application thresholds established in 9VAC25-800-30 C must prepare a PDMP for the pest management area. The plan must be kept up-to-date thereafter for the duration of coverage under this general permit, even if discharges subsequently fall below the annual application threshold levels. The operator applying pesticides shall develop a PDMP consistent with the deadline outlined in Table I-1.

The PDMP does not contain effluent limitations; the limitations are contained in Part I A 1 and A 2 of the permit. The PDMP documents how the operator will implement the effluent limitations in Part I A 1 and A 2 of the permit, including the evaluation and selection of pest management measures to meet those effluent limitations and minimize discharges. In the PDMP, the operator may incorporate by reference any procedures or plans in other documents that meet the requirements of this permit. If other documents are being relied upon by the operator to describe how compliance with the effluent limitations in this permit will be achieved, such as a pre-existing integrated pest management (IPM) plan, a copy of the portions of any documents that are being used to document the implementation of the effluent limitations shall be attached to the PDMP. The pest management measures implemented must be documented and the documentation must be kept up to date.

1. Contents of the pesticide discharge management plan. The PDMP must include the following elements:

a. Pesticide discharge management team;

b. Problem identification;

c. Pest management options evaluation;

d. Response procedures:

(1) Spill response procedures;

(2) Adverse incident response procedures; and

e. Signature requirements.

2. PDMP team. The operator shall identify all the persons (by name and contact information) who compose the team as well as each person's individual responsibilities, including:

a. Persons responsible for managing pests in relation to the pest management area;

b. Persons responsible for developing and revising the PDMP; and

c. Persons responsible for developing, revising, and implementing corrective actions and other effluent limitation requirements.

3. Problem identification. The operator shall document the following:

a. Pest problem description. Describe the pest problem at the pest management area, including identification of the target pests, sources of the pest problem, and sources of data used to identify the problem in Part I A 1 b (1) through b (5).

b. Action thresholds. Describe the action thresholds for the pest management area, including how they were determined.

c. General location map. Include a general location map that identifies the geographic boundaries of the area to which the plan applies and location of major surface waters.

4. Integrated pest management options evaluation. Operators shall document the evaluation of the pest management options, including a combination of the pest management options, to control the target pests. Pest management options include the following: no action, prevention, mechanical or physical methods, cultural methods, biological control agents, and pesticides. In the evaluation, decision makers shall consider the impact to water quality, impact to nontarget organisms, feasibility, cost effectiveness, and any relevant previous pest management measures.

5. Response procedures. Document the following procedures in the PDMP:

a. Spill response procedures. At a minimum the PDMP must have:

(1) Procedures for expeditiously stopping, containing, and cleaning up leaks, spills, and other releases to surface waters. Employees who may cause, detect, or respond to a spill or leak must be trained in these procedures and have necessary spill response equipment available. If possible, one of these individuals should be a member of the PDMP team.

(2) Procedures for notification of appropriate facility personnel, emergency response agencies, and regulatory agencies.

b. Adverse incident response procedures. At a minimum the PDMP must have:

(1) Procedures for responding to any incident resulting from pesticide applications; and

(2) Procedures for notification of the incident, both internal to the operator's agency or organization and external. Contact information for DEQ, nearest emergency medical facility, and nearest hazardous chemical responder must be in locations that are readily accessible and available.

6. PDMP signature requirements.

a. The PDMP, including changes to the PDMP to document any corrective actions taken as required by Part I D 1, and all reports submitted to the department must be signed by a person described in Part II G 1 or by a duly authorized representative of that person described in Part II G 2.

b. All other changes to the PDMP, and other compliance documentation required under this permit, must be signed and dated by the person preparing the change or documentation.

c. Any person signing documents in accordance with Part I C 6 a must include the certification from Part II G 4.

7. PDMP modifications and availability.

a. PDMP modifications. The operator shall modify the PDMP whenever necessary to address any of the triggering conditions for corrective action in Part I D 1 a, or when a change in pest control activities significantly changes the type or quantity of pollutants discharged. Changes to the PDMP must be made before the next pesticide application that results in a discharge, if practicable, or if not, as soon as possible thereafter. The revised PDMP must be signed and dated in accordance with Part II G.

The operator shall review the PDMP at a minimum once per calendar year and whenever necessary to update the pest problem identified and pest management strategies evaluated for the pest management area.

b. PDMP availability. The operator shall retain a copy of the current PDMP, along with all supporting maps and documents. The operator shall make the PDMP and supporting information available to the department upon request. The PDMP is subject to the provisions and exclusions of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (§ 2.2-3700 et seq. of the Code of Virginia).

D. Special conditions.

1. Corrective action.

a. Situations requiring revision of pest management measures. If any of the following situations occur, the operator shall review and, as necessary, revise the evaluation and selection of pest management measures to ensure that the situation is eliminated and will not be repeated in the future:

(1) An unauthorized release or discharge associated with the application of pesticides occurs (e.g., spill, leak, or discharge not authorized by this or another VPDES permit);

(2) The operator becomes aware, or the department concludes, that the pest management measures are not adequate or sufficient for the discharge of pollutants to meet applicable water quality standards;

(3) Any monitoring activities indicate that the operator failed to meet the technology-based effluent limitations in Part I A 1 a of this permit;

(4) An inspection or evaluation of the operator's activities by DEQ, VDACS, EPA, or a locality reveals that modifications to the pest management measures are necessary to meet the non-numeric effluent limits in this permit; or

(5) The operator observes (e.g., during visual monitoring that is required in Part I B) or is otherwise made aware of an adverse incident.

b. Corrective action deadlines. If the operator determines that changes to the pest management measures are necessary to eliminate any situation identified in Part I D 1 a, such changes must be made before the next pesticide application that results in a discharge if practicable, or if not, as soon as possible thereafter.

2. Adverse incident documentation and reporting.

a. Twenty-four-hour adverse incident notification. If the operator observes or is otherwise made aware of an adverse incident that may have resulted from a discharge from the operator's pesticide application, the operator shall immediately notify the department (see Part I D 5). This notification must be made within 24 hours of when the operator becomes aware of the adverse incident and must include at least the following information:

(1) The caller's name and telephone number;

(2) Operator's name and mailing address;

(3) The name and telephone number of a contact person if different than the person providing the 24-hour notice;

(4) How and when the operator became aware of the adverse incident;

(5) Description of the location of the adverse incident;

(6) Description of the adverse incident identified and the EPA pesticide registration number for each product that was applied in the area of the adverse incident; and

(7) Description of any steps the operator has taken or will take to correct, repair, remedy, cleanup, or otherwise address any adverse effects.

If the operator is unable to notify the department within 24 hours, notification shall be made as soon as possible and the rationale for why the notification was not possible within 24 hours shall be provided.

The adverse incident notification and reporting requirements are in addition to what the registrant is required to submit under FIFRA § 6(a)(2) and its implementing regulations at 40 CFR Part 159.

b. Reporting of adverse incidents is not required under this permit in the following situations:

(1) The operator is aware of facts that clearly establish that the adverse incident was not related to toxic effects or exposure from the pesticide application.

(2) The operator has been notified in writing by the department that the reporting requirement has been waived for this incident or category of incidents.

(3) The operator receives notification of a potential adverse incident but that notification and supporting information are clearly erroneous.

(4) An adverse incident occurs to pests that are similar in kind to pests identified as potential targets.

c. Five-day adverse incident written report. Within five days of a reportable adverse incident pursuant to Part I D 2 a, the operator shall provide a written report of the adverse incident to the appropriate DEQ regional office at the address listed in Part I D 5. The adverse incident report must include at least the following information:

(1) Information required to be provided in Part I D 2 a;

(2) Date and time the operator contacted DEQ notifying the department of the adverse incident, and with whom the operator spoke at DEQ, and any instructions the operator received from DEQ;

(3) Location of incident, including the names of any waters affected and appearance of those waters (sheen, color, clarity, etc.);

(4) A description of the circumstances of the adverse incident including species affected, estimated number of individuals, and approximate size of dead or distressed organisms;

(5) Magnitude and scope of the affected area (e.g., aquatic square area or total stream distance affected);

(6) Pesticide application rate, intended use site, method of application, and name of pesticide product, description of pesticide ingredients, and EPA registration number;

(7) Description of the habitat and the circumstances under which the adverse incident occurred (including any available ambient water data for pesticides applied);

(8) If laboratory tests were performed, indicate what tests were performed, and when, and provide a summary of the test results within five days after they become available;

(9) If applicable, explain why it is believed the adverse incident could not have been caused by exposure to the pesticide;

(10) Actions to be taken to prevent recurrence of adverse incidents; and

(11) Signed and dated in accordance with Part II G.

The operator shall report adverse incidents even for those instances when the pesticide labeling states that adverse effects may occur.

d. Adverse incident to threatened or endangered species or critical habitat.

(1) Notwithstanding any of the other adverse incident notification requirements of this section, if the operator becomes aware of an adverse incident to threatened or endangered species or critical habitat that may have resulted from a discharge from the operator's pesticide application, the operator shall immediately notify the:

(a) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) in the case of an anadromous or marine species;

(b) U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the DWR in the case of an animal or invertebrate species; or

(c) FWS and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services in the case of plants or insects.

(2) Threatened or endangered species or critical habitats include the following:

(a) Federally listed threatened or endangered species;

(b) Federally designated critical habitat;

(c) State-listed threatened or endangered species; and

(d) Tier I (critical conservation need) or Tier II (very high conservation need) species of greatest conservation need (SGCN) as defined in Virginia's Wildlife Action Plan (http://bewildvirginia.org/wildlife-action-plan/).

(3) This notification must be made by telephone immediately upon the operator becoming aware of the adverse incident and must include at least the following information:

(a) The caller's name and telephone number;

(b) Operator's name and mailing address;

(c) The name of the affected species, size of area impacted, and if applicable, the approximate number of animals affected;

(d) How and when the operator became aware of the adverse incident;

(e) Description of the location of the adverse incident;

(f) Description of the adverse incident, including the EPA pesticide registration number for each product the operator applied in the area of the adverse incident;

(g) Description of any steps the operator has taken or will take to alleviate the adverse impact to the species; and

(h) Date and time of application. Additional information on federally listed threatened or endangered species and federally designated critical habitat is available from NMFS (https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species-directory/threatened-endangered) for anadromous or marine species or FWS (https://www.fws.gov/species/search) for terrestrial or freshwater species. Additional information on state-listed threatened or endangered wildlife species is available through the Virginia Fish and Wildlife Information Service (https://dwr.virginia.gov/wildlife/wildlife-information/). Listing of state threatened or endangered plants and insects can be found in §§ 3.2-1000 through 3.2-1011 of the Code of Virginia and 2VAC5-320-10 of the Virginia Administrative Code (both the Code of Virginia and the Virginia Administrative Code must be referenced in order to obtain the complete plant and insect list). (Contact information for these agencies can be found on the contact information form or through the DEQ website.)

3. Reportable spills and leaks.

a. Spill, leak, or other unauthorized discharge notification. Where a leak, spill, or other release containing a hazardous substance or oil in an amount equal to or in excess of a reportable quantity established under either 40 CFR Part 110, 117, or 302 occurs in any 24-hour period, the operator shall notify the department (see Part I D 2) as soon as the operator has knowledge of the release. Department contact information must be kept in locations that are readily accessible and available in the area where a spill, leak, or other unpermitted discharge may occur.

b. Five-day spill, leak, or other unauthorized discharge report. Within five days of the operator becoming aware of a spill, leak, or other unauthorized discharge triggering the notification in subdivision 3 of this subsection, the operator shall submit a written report to the appropriate DEQ regional office at the address listed in Part I D 5. The report shall contain the following information:

(1) A description of the nature and location of the spill, leak, or discharge;

(2) The cause of the spill, leak, or discharge;

(3) The date on which the spill, leak, or discharge occurred;

(4) The length of time that the spill, leak, or discharge continued;

(5) The volume of the spill, leak, or discharge;

(6) If the discharge is continuing, how long it is expected to continue and what the expected total volume of the discharge will be;

(7) A summary of corrective action taken or to be taken including date initiated and date completed or expected to be completed; and

(8) Any steps planned or taken to prevent recurrence of such a spill, leak, or other discharge, including notice of whether PDMP modifications are required as a result of the spill or leak.

Discharges reportable to the department under the immediate reporting requirements of other regulations are exempted from this requirement.

The department may waive the written report on a case-by-case basis for reports of noncompliance if the oral report has been received within 24 hours and no adverse impact on state waters has been reported.

4. Recordkeeping and annual reporting. The operator shall keep records as required in this permit. These records must be accurate, complete, and sufficient to demonstrate compliance with the conditions of this permit. The operator can rely on records and documents developed for other obligations, such as requirements under FIFRA and state or local pesticide programs, provided all requirements of this permit are satisfied. The department recommends that all operators covered under this permit keep records of acres or linear miles treated for all applicable use patterns covered under this general permit.

a. All operators must keep the following records:

(1) A copy of any adverse incident reports (see Part I D 2 c).

(2) The operator's rationale for any determination that reporting of an identified adverse incident is not required consistent with allowances identified in Part I D 2 b.

b. Any operator performing the application of a pesticide or who has day-to-day control of the application and exceeding the annual application thresholds established in 9VAC25-800-30 C must also maintain a record of each pesticide applied. This shall apply to both general use and restricted use pesticides. Each record shall contain the:

(1) Name, address, and telephone number of customer and address or location, if different, of site of application;

(2) Name and VDACS certification number of the person making the application or certification number of the supervising certified applicator;

(3) Day, month, and year of application;

(4) Type of plants, crop, animals, or sites treated and principal pests to be controlled;

(5) Acreage, area, or number of plants or animals treated;

(6) Brand name or common product name;

(7) EPA registration number;

(8) Amount of pesticide concentrate and amount of diluting used, by weight or volume, in mixture applied; and

(9) Type of application equipment used.

c. All required records must be assembled as soon as possible but no later than 30 days following completion of such activity. The operator shall retain any records required under this permit for at least three years from the date of the pesticide application. The operator shall make available to the department, including an authorized representative of the department, all records kept under this permit upon request and provide copies of such records, upon request.

d. Annual reporting.

(1) Any operator applying pesticides that reports an adverse incident as described in Part I D 2 must submit an annual report to the department no later than February 10 of the following year (and retain a copy for the operator's records).

(2) The annual report must contain the following information:

(a) Operator's name;

(b) Contact person's name, title, email address (where available), and telephone number;

(c) A summary report of all adverse incidents that occurred during the previous calendar year; and

(d) A summary of any corrective actions, including spill responses, in response to adverse incidents, and the rationale for such actions.

5. DEQ contact information and mailing addresses.

a. All incident reports under Part I D 2 must be sent to the appropriate DEQ regional office within five days of the operator becoming aware of the adverse incident.

b. All other written correspondence concerning discharges must be sent to the address of the appropriate DEQ regional office listed in Part I D 5 d.

c. The immediate (within 24 hours) reports required in Part I D 2 shall be made to the department's regional office. Reports may be made by telephone, fax, or online https://www.deq.virginia.gov/our-programs/pollution-response (online reporting preferred).

For reports outside normal working hours, the online portal shall be used. For emergencies, call the Virginia Department of Emergency Management Emergency Operations Center (24-hours) at 1-800-468-8892.

c. DEQ regional office addresses.

(1) Blue Ridge Regional Office (BRRO)

901 Russell Drive

Salem, VA 24153

(540) 562-6700

(fax - for all regional offices) (804) 698-4178

(2) Northern Regional Office (NVRO)

13901 Crown Court

Woodbridge, VA 22193

(703) 583-3800

(3) Piedmont Regional Office (PRO)

4949-A Cox Road

Glen Allen, VA 23060

(804) 527-5020

(4) Southwest Regional Office (SWRO)

355 Deadmore St.

P.O. Box 1688

Abingdon, VA 24212

(276) 676-4800

(5) Tidewater Regional Office (TRO)

5636 Southern Blvd.

Virginia Beach, VA 23462

(757) 518-2000

(6) Valley Regional Office (VRO)

4411 Early Road

Mailing address: P.O. Box 3000

Harrisonburg, VA 22801

(540) 574-7800

Part II
Conditions Applicable to all VPDES Permits

A. Monitoring.

1. Samples and measurements taken as required by this permit shall be representative of the monitored activity.

2. Monitoring shall be conducted according to procedures approved under 40 CFR Part 136 or alternative methods approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, unless other procedures have been specified in this permit.

3. The operator shall periodically calibrate and perform maintenance procedures on all monitoring and analytical instrumentation at intervals that will ensure accuracy of measurements.

B. Records.

1. Records of monitoring information shall include:

a. The date, exact place, and time of sampling or measurements;

b. The individuals who performed the sampling or measurements;

c. The dates and times analyses were performed;

d. The individuals who performed the analyses;

e. The analytical techniques or methods used; and

f. The results of such analyses.

2. The operator shall retain records of all monitoring information, including all calibration and maintenance records and copies of all reports required by this permit for a period of at least three years from the date that coverage under this permit expires. This period of retention shall be extended automatically during the course of any unresolved litigation regarding the regulated activity or regarding control standards applicable to the operator, or as requested by the department.

C. Reporting monitoring results. Monitoring results under this permit are not required to be submitted to the department. However, should the department request that the operator submit monitoring results, the following subdivisions would apply.

1. The operator shall submit the results of the monitoring required by this permit not later than the 10th day of the month after monitoring takes place, unless another reporting schedule is specified elsewhere in this permit. Monitoring results shall be submitted to the department's regional office.

2. Monitoring results shall be reported on a discharge monitoring report (DMR) or on forms provided, approved, or specified by the department.

3. If the operator monitors any pollutant specifically addressed by this permit more frequently than required by this permit using test procedures approved under 40 CFR Part 136 or using other test procedures approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or using procedures specified in this permit, the results of this monitoring shall be included in the calculation and reporting of the data submitted on the DMR or reporting form specified by the department.

4. Calculations for all limitations that require averaging of measurements shall utilize an arithmetic mean unless otherwise specified in this permit.

D. Duty to provide information. The operator shall furnish to the department, within a reasonable time, any information that the department may request to determine whether cause exists for terminating coverage under this permit or to determine compliance with this permit. The department may require the operator to furnish, upon request, such plans, specifications, and other pertinent information as may be necessary to determine the effect of the wastes from the permittee's discharge on the quality of state waters, or such other information as may be necessary to accomplish the purposes of the State Water Control Law. The operator shall also furnish to the department, upon request, copies of records required to be kept by this permit.

E. Compliance schedule reports. Reports of compliance or noncompliance with, or any progress reports on, interim and final requirements contained in any compliance schedule of this permit shall be submitted no later than 14 days following each schedule date.

F. Unauthorized discharges. Except in compliance with this permit, or another permit issued by the department or general permit regulation adopted by the board, it shall be unlawful for any person to:

1. Discharge into state waters sewage, industrial wastes, other wastes, or any noxious or deleterious substances; or

2. Otherwise alter the physical, chemical, or biological properties of such state waters and make them detrimental to the public health, to animal or aquatic life, or to the use of such waters for domestic or industrial consumption, recreation, or other uses.

G. Signature requirements.

1. The PDMP, including changes to the PDMP to document any corrective actions taken as required by Part I D 1, and all reports submitted to the department must be signed by a person described in this subsection or by a duly authorized representative of that person described in subdivision 2 of this subsection.

a. For a corporation: by a responsible corporate officer. For the purpose of this subsection, a responsible corporate officer means: (i) a president, secretary, treasurer, or vice-president of the corporation in charge of a principal business function, or any other person who performs similar policy-making or decision-making functions for the corporation, or (ii) the manager of one or more manufacturing, production, or operating facilities, provided the manager is authorized to make management decisions that govern the operation of the regulated activity including having the explicit or implicit duty of making major capital investment recommendations and initiating and directing other comprehensive measures to ensure long-term environmental compliance with environmental laws and regulations; the manager can ensure that the necessary systems are established or actions taken to gather complete and accurate information for permit application requirements; and authority to sign documents has been assigned or delegated to the manager in accordance with corporate procedures;

b. For a partnership or sole proprietorship: by a general partner or the proprietor, respectively; or

c. For a municipality, state, federal, or other public agency: by either a principal executive officer or ranking elected official. For purposes of this subsection, a principal executive officer of a federal agency includes (i) the chief executive officer of the agency or (ii) a senior executive officer having responsibility for the overall operations of a principal geographic unit or the agency.

2. A person is a duly authorized representative only if:

a. The authorization is made in writing by a person described in subdivision 1 of this subsection;

b. The authorization specifies either an individual or a position having responsibility for the overall operation of the regulated activity such as the position of superintendent, position of equivalent responsibility, or an individual or position having overall responsibility for environmental matters for the company. A duly authorized representative may thus be either a named individual or any individual occupying a named position; and

c. The signed and dated written authorization is included in the PDMP. A copy of this authorization must be submitted to the department if requested.

3. All other changes to the PDMP, and other compliance documentation required under this permit, must be signed and dated by the person preparing the change or documentation.

4. Any person signing documents in accordance with subdivision 1 or 2 of this subsection must include the following certification:

"I certify under penalty of law that this document and all attachments were prepared under my direction or supervision in accordance with a system designed to assure that qualified personnel properly gathered and evaluated the information contained therein. Based on my inquiry of the person or persons who manage the system or those persons directly responsible for gathering the information, the information contained is, to the best of my knowledge and belief, true, accurate, and complete. I am aware that there are significant penalties for submitting false information, including the possibility of fine and imprisonment for knowing violations."

H. Duty to comply. The operator shall comply with all conditions of this permit. Any permit noncompliance constitutes a violation of the State Water Control Law and the federal Clean Water Act, except that noncompliance with certain provisions of this permit may constitute a violation of the State Water Control Law but not the Clean Water Act. Permit noncompliance is grounds for enforcement action, for permit coverage termination, or denial of permit coverage renewal.

The operator shall comply with effluent standards or prohibitions established under § 307(a) of the Clean Water Act for toxic pollutants within the time provided in the regulations that establish these standards or prohibitions, even if this permit has not yet been modified to incorporate the requirement.

I. Duty to reapply. If the operator wishes to continue an activity regulated by this permit after the expiration date of this permit, the operator must have coverage under a new permit.

J. Effect of a permit. This permit does not convey any property rights in either real or personal property or any exclusive privileges. This permit does not authorize any injury to private property or invasion of personal rights, or any infringement of federal, state, or local law or regulations.

K. State law. Nothing in this permit shall be construed to preclude the institution of any legal action under, or relieve the operator from any responsibilities, liabilities, or penalties established pursuant to any other state law or regulation or under authority preserved by § 510 of the Clean Water Act. Nothing in this permit shall be construed to relieve the operator from civil and criminal penalties for noncompliance.

L. Oil and hazardous substance liability. Nothing in this permit shall be construed to preclude the institution of any legal action or relieve the operator from any responsibilities, liabilities, or penalties to which the operator is or may be subject under §§ 62.1-44.34:14 through 62.1-44.34:23 of the State Water Control Law.

M. Proper operation and maintenance. The operator shall at all times properly operate and maintain all facilities and systems of treatment and control (and related appurtenances) that are installed or used by the operator to achieve compliance with the conditions of this permit. Proper operation and maintenance also include effective plant performance, adequate funding, adequate staffing, and adequate laboratory and process controls, including appropriate quality assurance procedures. This provision requires the operation of backup or auxiliary facilities or similar systems that are installed by the operator only when the operation is necessary to achieve compliance with the conditions of this permit.

N. Disposal of solids or sludges. Solids, sludges, or other pollutants removed in the course of treatment or management of pollutants shall be disposed of in a manner so as to prevent any pollutant from such materials from entering state waters.

O. Duty to mitigate. The operator shall take all reasonable steps to minimize or prevent any discharge or sludge use or disposal in violation of this permit that has a reasonable likelihood of adversely affecting human health or the environment.

P. Need to halt or reduce activity not a defense. It shall not be a defense for an operator in an enforcement action that it would have been necessary to halt or reduce the permitted activity in order to maintain compliance with the conditions of this permit.

Q. Inspection and entry. The operator shall allow the director, or an authorized representative (including an authorized contractor acting as a representative of the director), upon presentation of credentials and other documents as may be required by law, to:

1. Enter upon the operator premises where a regulated facility or activity is located or conducted, or where records must be kept under the conditions of this permit;

2. Have access to and copy, at reasonable times, any records that must be kept under the conditions of this permit;

3. Inspect at reasonable times any facilities, equipment (including monitoring and control equipment), practices, or operations regulated or required under this permit; and

4. Sample or monitor at reasonable times, for the purposes of assuring permit compliance or as otherwise authorized by the Clean Water Act and the State Water Control Law, any substances or parameters at any location.

For purposes of this section, the time for inspection shall be deemed reasonable during regular business hours or whenever the facility is discharging. Nothing contained in this general permit shall make an inspection unreasonable during an emergency.

R. Permit actions. Permit coverage may be terminated for cause. The filing of a request by the operator for a permit termination or a notification of planned changes or anticipated noncompliance does not stay any permit condition.

S. Transfer of permit coverage. Permits are not transferable to any person except after notice to the department. The transfer of permit coverage under this pesticide general permit is not anticipated since coverage is automatic where an operator meets the permit eligibility requirements.

T. Severability. The provisions of this permit are severable, and if any provision of this permit or the application of any provision of this permit to any circumstance is held invalid, the application of such provision to other circumstances, and the remainder of this permit, shall not be affected thereby.