Aerial Pesticide Application
An Environmental Permitting Fact Sheet
Program Overview
This permit program, administered by the Bureau of Materials Management and Compliance Assurance, regulates the use of pesticides and fertilizers when applied by aircraft. Applications are evaluated by the Pesticides Program to assure that the pesticides are products which are appropriate to the site, will not cause unreasonable environmental effects, and that affected property owners have been properly notified.
Authorizing Statutes
Section 22a-54(e) of the Connecticut General Statutes (CGS)
Regulations
Section 22a-54-1 et seq. and 22a-66-7 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies (RCSA)
Who Must Apply
Any person who is the owner of any crop or land, or the owner's representative, may apply for a permit for application of pesticides or fertilizers by a certified aircraft applicator.
Required Documents
Permit Application for Pesticide Application by Aircraft (DEP-PEST-APP-100) including supporting documentation such as a USGS topographic quadrangle map (8 ½" x 11" copy or original), a copy of an assessor's plot map (for non-agricultural applications), waiver or release forms with signatures of owners of the property being sprayed or of the area subject to drift; Permit Application Transmittal Form (DEP-APP-001); Applicant Compliance Information (DEP-APP-002).
Fees
Fees are based upon the size of the area being treated:
| 10-49 acres 50-149 acres 150 acres or larger |
$200.00 $285.00 $565.00 |
Review and Processing
Permit applications are reviewed by the Pesticide Program. Site inspections are carried out by the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station for agricultural sites and by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) for non-agricultural sites. A review of the chemicals proposed to be applied is done separately and prior to permit issuance. No permits will be issued for the use of broad spectrum pesticides on non-agricultural sites.
Unique Processing Features
If the proposed area is congested (zoned one half acre or less), or is a park with public access, or is a playground or swimming area, a permit will only be issued if the director of health of the municipality in which the spraying is to be conducted approves the application. If the project has the potential to impact any endangered or threatened species, or species of special concern, or their essential habitats, the application will require additional review by the staff of the Natural Diversity Data Base program.
Public Participation
There are specific requirements in the regulations for notification of the application of pesticides. In general, for aerial application of pesticides or fertilizers each landowner or resident whose property lies within 200 feet (helicopter) or 300 feet (airplane) of the flight path of the aircraft must be notified of the spraying.
Average Processing Time
|
Preliminary Sufficiency Determination |
7 days 14 days 14 days |
Permit Duration
All permits expire on December 31st of the year in which they are granted.
Contact Information
Pesticide Program
Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
79 Elm Street
Hartford, CT 06106-5127
860-424-3369
This overview is designed to answer general questions and provide basic information. You should refer to the appropriate statutes and regulations for the specific regulatory language of the different permit programs. This document should not be relied upon to determine whether or not an environmental permit is required. It is your responsibility to obtain and comply with all required permits.
Fact Sheet: DEEP-PEST-FS-100
Content Last Updated October, 2009