Permit Component - Pesticide, Herbicide, Fertilizer Application

The PBC MS4 NPDES permit includes several requirements that relate to the reduction of pollutants resulting from the improper or overuse of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers.

• Permittees must annually review and implement written procedures to minimize use of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers on public property.
• 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. Go to the University of Florida IFAS Extension Statewide Training Schedule and Registration page to locate and/or sign up for training events.
• Permittee must operate any owned golf courses in a 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 was required, by March 2, 2013, to adopt either FDEP’s Model Ordinance for Florida Friendly Fertilizer Use on Urban Landscapes, or, a fertilizer ordinance that complies with the requirements set forth in that model ordinance, such as the modified version developed by Palm Beach County. The contact at FDEP for issues related to the Fertilizer Ordinance is Michelle Bull at michelle.bull@dep.state.fl.us or 850-245-7561.
• The MS4 Permit requires a public education program stressing the reduction and/or proper use of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers. This permit requirement is satisfied by the joint public education program (Stormwater And Me) carried out on behalf of all permittees within the PBC group.

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