Montana Pesticide General Permit
The Montana Pesticide General Permit (PGP) is the permitting mechanism for anyone who applies pesticides into or over state surface water. The PGP is not a pesticide permit; it is a wastewater discharge permit regulated under the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Montana Pollution Discharge Elimination System (MPDES) program. Discharge of pollutants to state water without a permit is a violation of the Montana Water Quality Act in 75-5-605, Montana Code Annotated (MCA).
A Notice of Intent (NOI) submittal is required before pesticide is applied to or over surface water. The NOI is a legal notification by the owner/operator to DEQ that they will comply with the PGP. If the application of pesticides occurs within the boundaries of Indian Lands, the owner/operator will need to comply with the permit requirements of the EPA’s Pesticide Program.
- PGP coverage is based on two unique criteria: single county vs. multi county and the number of acres to which pesticides will be applied. Detailed information is provided in the PGP General Information.
- Pesticide General Permit
- Permit Fee Schedule for Applications and Annual Fees
- Application Package for Pesticide General Permit
The application package for PGP authorization consists of a Notice of Intent and the Section E Supplemental form. The Section E supplement will need to be completed for each county to which pesticides will be applied.
- Rules and Regulations
- Other information
On April 9, 2011, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) issued the final Pesticide General Permit (PGP). Below are documents related to the permit issuance:
Implementation Plans
For the next several years, DEQ intends to develop the program and provide education and outreach to the regulated community. Fact sheets and helpful information will be posted on this webpage.
