Last month, IEPA presented information about the new NPDES pesticide permit requirement at the IFCA convention.  This is a new federal regulation that went into effect in November 2011.  IFCA has published a fact sheet that explains the types of applications that require a permit, how to file for a permit and the recordkeeping requirements.  We are still working with IEPA to clarify the situation in which pesticide applications made to dry ditches may require a permit, so stay tuned.  For now, it is clear that aquatic applications, applications for mosquito control and certain wide-spread applications such as aerial treatments over forest canopies will require a permit.  If you plan to make such applications this spring, you should appy for a permit and the fact sheet can walk you through the process.  Indivdidual landowners and private citizens are NOT exempt if they apply pesticides in a manner covered by this program.  Please contact IFCA if you have questions about this program.  This is a Clean Water Act regulation and violations can be as high as $28,000 per day.  Currently there is no fee for a NPDES pesticide permit.