Fertilizer, Herbicides, and Pesticides

The PBC MS4 NPDES permit includes a requirement that addresses pollutants related to pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers.

Permittees must require that all employees or contractors that apply pesticides or herbicides to permittee-owned property be properly certified (FDACS program).

By January 1, 2014, permittees must require that all employees or contractors that apply fertilizers to permittee-owned property be properly trained (Green Industry BMP program).

Permittee must operate any owned golf courses in manner consistent with the “Best Management Practices for the Enhancement of the Environmental Quality on Florida Golf Courses” manual. Permittees are encouraged to adopt a Florida-friendly Landscaping Ordinance.

If no Florida-friendly landscaping ordinance is adopted, AND any part of the permittee’s jurisdiction is within a watershed of a nutrient-impaired waterbody, then the permittee must adopt the Department’s Model Ordinance for Florida Friendly Fertilizer Use on Urban Landscapes. This must be done by March 2, 2013.

The MS4 Permit requires a public education program related to the reduction in use of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers. This activity is handled under a joint program by the PBC group.

Permittees must annually review their own use of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers to minimize their use.