The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is inviting public comments on a proposed draft permit, the 2021 National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) pesticide general permit. This permit authorizes point source discharges from pesticide applications to U.S. waters, replacing the 2016 permit. The draft retains the same requirements and conditions as the 2016 version, with minor updates. Public comments must be submitted by March 16, 2021, through the federal eRulemaking portal, and the final version is expected to be issued by October 31, 2021.
Simple Explanation
The EPA wants to hear what people think about a new plan for how pesticides sprayed in water should be managed, replacing an older plan from 2016. They hope to make the final decision by the end of October, and people can share their thoughts online until March 16, 2021.