Although the issue with the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) has not gone away yet, the industry is one step closer to eliminating the Clean Water Act requirement of applying for an NPDES permit if applying pesticides over or near a body of water of the state.  Yesterday, the US Senate Ag Committee passed H.R. 872 which eliminates the NPDES permit for pesticide applications.  This bill passed the US House earlier with a significant majority. 

The full US Senate will vote on the bill later this summer.  We will need IFCA members to contact Illinois Senators Durbin and Kirk asking them to vote yes on this legislation.  We will let you know when to contact them and provide you with talking points.

The deadline for compliance with the NPDES permit was extended from April 11, 2011 to October 11, 2011.  It is critical that H.R. 872 pass the US Senate and we will need your help.  We are very thankful for the leadership of Crop Life America on this important issue for our industry.