Minnesota Administrative Rules

CHAPTER 1505, PEST AND DISEASE CONTROL

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

1505.0010

[Repealed, 33 SR 8]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0020

[Repealed, 33 SR 8]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0030

[Repealed, 33 SR 8]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0040

[Repealed, 33 SR 8]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0050

[Repealed, 33 SR 8]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0060

[Repealed, 29 SR 655]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0070

[Repealed, 33 SR 8]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0080

[Repealed, 33 SR 8]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0090

[Repealed, 33 SR 8]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0100

[Repealed, 33 SR 8]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0110

[Repealed, 33 SR 8]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0120

[Repealed, 33 SR 8]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0130

[Repealed, 33 SR 8]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0140

[Repealed, 33 SR 8]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0150

[Repealed, 33 SR 8]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0160

[Repealed, 33 SR 8]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0170

[Repealed, 33 SR 8]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0180

[Repealed, 33 SR 8]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0190

[Repealed, 33 SR 8]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0200

[Repealed, 33 SR 8]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0210

[Repealed, 33 SR 8]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0220

[Repealed, 33 SR 8]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0230

[Repealed, 33 SR 8]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0240

[Repealed, 33 SR 8]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0250

[Repealed, 33 SR 8]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0260

[Repealed, 33 SR 8]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0270

[Repealed, 33 SR 8]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0280

[Repealed, 33 SR 8]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0290

[Repealed, 33 SR 8]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0300

[Repealed, 33 SR 8]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0310

[Repealed, 33 SR 8]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0320

[Repealed, 33 SR 8]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0330

[Repealed, 33 SR 8]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0340

[Repealed, 33 SR 8]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0350

[Repealed, 33 SR 8]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0360

[Repealed, 29 SR 655]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0370

[Repealed, 29 SR 655]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0380

[Repealed, 33 SR 8]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0390

[Repealed, 33 SR 8]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0400

[Repealed, 33 SR 8]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0410

[Repealed, 33 SR 8]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0420

[Repealed, 33 SR 8]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0430

[Repealed, 33 SR 8]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0440

[Repealed, 33 SR 8]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0450

[Repealed, 33 SR 8]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0460

[Repealed, 33 SR 8]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0470

[Repealed, 33 SR 8]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0480

[Repealed, 33 SR 8]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0490

[Repealed, 33 SR 8]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0500

[Repealed, 33 SR 8]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0510

[Repealed, 33 SR 8]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0520

[Repealed, 33 SR 8]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0530

[Repealed, 33 SR 8]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0540

[Repealed, 33 SR 8]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0541

[Repealed, 33 SR 8]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0542

[Repealed, 33 SR 8]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0543

[Repealed, 33 SR 8]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0544

[Repealed, 33 SR 8]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0545

[Repealed, 33 SR 8]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0546

[Repealed, 33 SR 8]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0550

[Repealed, 33 SR 8]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0560

[Repealed, 33 SR 8]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0570

[Repealed, 33 SR 8]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0580

[Repealed, 33 SR 8]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0590

[Repealed, 33 SR 8]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0600

[Repealed, 33 SR 8]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0610

[Repealed, 35 SR 1325]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0620

[Repealed, 35 SR 1325]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0630

[Repealed, 35 SR 1325]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0640

[Repealed, 35 SR 1325]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0650

[Repealed, 35 SR 1325]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0660

[Repealed, 35 SR 1325]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0670

[Repealed, 35 SR 1325]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0680

[Repealed, 35 SR 1325]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0690

[Repealed, L 1987 c 109 s 13]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0700

[Repealed, L 1987 c 109 s 13]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0710

[Repealed, L 1987 c 109 s 13]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0720

[Repealed, L 1987 c 109 s 13]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0730

[Repealed, 35 SR 1325]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0732

[Repealed, 35 SR 1325]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0734

[Repealed, 35 SR 1325]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0740

[Repealed, 35 SR 1325]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0750

[Repealed, 35 SR 1325]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

AGRICULTURAL INSPECTORS

1505.0751 DEFINITIONS.

Subpart 1.

Scope.

The definitions in this part apply to parts 1505.0752 to 1505.0758.

Subp. 2.

Commissioner.

"Commissioner" means the commissioner of agriculture or an authorized agent and may include a county agricultural inspector.

Subp. 3.

Control program.

"Control program" means the administration and enforcement of laws and rules pertaining to seeds, noxious weeds, screenings, pesticides, fertilizers, feed, or insect pests.

Subp. 4.

County agricultural inspector.

"County agricultural inspector" means an individual appointed by the county board of commissioners under Minnesota Statutes, section 18.80, subdivision 1.

Subp. 5.

Enforcement action.

"Enforcement action" means an administrative or legal proceeding used by the commissioner, a county agricultural inspector, or a local weed inspector to carry out duties under Minnesota Statutes, sections 18.79, subdivision 1, and 18.81, subdivisions 1 and 2.

Subp. 6.

Local weed inspector.

"Local weed inspector" means the supervisor of a township board or the mayor of a city when they assume the duties of their office or their appointed assistant under Minnesota Statutes, section 18.80, subdivisions 2 and 3.

Subp. 7.

Municipality.

"Municipality" means a home rule charter or statutory city or a township.

Subp. 8.

Noxious weed.

"Noxious weed" means an annual, biennial, or perennial plant that the commissioner designates to be injurious to public health, the environment, public roads, crops, livestock, or other property.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 18.79

History:

20 SR 63

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0752

[Repealed, 33 SR 8]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0754 WORK PLANS AND PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONS FOR COUNTY AGRICULTURAL INSPECTORS.

Subpart 1.

Work plans.

A detailed plan of work to be accomplished by each county agricultural inspector must be jointly developed each year by the commissioner and the county agricultural inspector. A separate work plan must be developed for each of the control programs involving seed, noxious weed, and screenings. If participation in the control programs for feed, fertilizer, pesticide, and insect pests is requested by the commissioner, a separate work plan must also be developed for each program. The plan must list the individual tasks, the amount of time sufficient to complete them, the amount of training required, and the budget necessary. The plan must be submitted to the board of county commissioners each year for its approval of the amount of time and the budget needed.

If the commissioner requests participation in the feed, fertilizer, pesticide, and insect pest control programs, the written request to do so must accompany the work plan.

Subp. 2.

[Repealed, 33 SR 8]

Statutory Authority:

MS s 14.05; 16A.1283; 18.79; 21.85; 223.19

History:

20 SR 63; 33 SR 8

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0756 TRAINING REQUIREMENTS AND AUTHORIZED AGENT STATUS FOR COUNTY AGRICULTURAL INSPECTORS.

Subpart 1.

Training requirements.

A.

To meet qualifications as a county agricultural inspector in the control programs for noxious weed, seed, and screenings as required by Minnesota Statutes, section 18.80, subdivision 1, each county agricultural inspector must complete at least 40 hours of approved training in the first year of employment, and 20 hours in each succeeding year as follows:

(1)

16 hours in seed law enforcement training in the first year and eight in each succeeding year;

(2)

20 hours in noxious weed law enforcement training in the first year and ten in each succeeding year; and

(3)

four hours in screenings law enforcement in the first year and two in each succeeding year.

B.

To meet qualifications as a county agricultural inspector in the control programs for feed, fertilizers, pesticides, and insect pests, the participating county agricultural inspector must meet the criteria in part 1505.0754, subpart 2, for all assigned tasks in the noxious weed, seed, and screenings control programs and must complete the number of hours of training required by the county work plan for each program specified in part 1505.0754, subpart 1.

Subp. 2.

[Repealed, 33 SR 8]

Statutory Authority:

MS s 14.05; 16A.1283; 18.79; 21.85; 223.19

History:

20 SR 63; 33 SR 8

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0758 MEETINGS AND REPORTS REQUIRED OF INSPECTORS.

Subpart 1.

Meetings.

A.

The commissioner shall provide written notice to county agricultural inspectors of meetings they are required to attend. County agricultural inspectors shall attend the following meetings according to Minnesota Statutes, section 18.79, subdivision 7, to receive the training considered necessary by Minnesota Statutes, section 18.79, subdivision 6:

(1)

an annual short course for all county agricultural inspectors at one location;

(2)

an annual meeting for the county agricultural inspectors in a designated region at several locations throughout the state; and

(3)

other regional meetings called by the commissioner to address a special problem or training need that may arise involving one or more duties assigned to the position in Minnesota Statutes, section 18.81, subdivision 1.

B.

The commissioner shall provide written notice to local weed inspectors for all meetings they are required to attend. Local weed inspectors are required to attend the following meetings according to Minnesota Statutes, section 18.79, subdivision 7, to receive the training considered necessary by Minnesota Statutes, section 18.79, subdivision 6:

(1)

an annual noxious weed law enforcement training meeting or time allotted on the program of an annual meeting of a county township officers association;

(2)

for those unable to attend a meeting as provided in subitem (1), a correspondence refresher course or other training approved by the commissioner; and

(3)

other meetings called by the commissioner to address a special problem or training need that may arise involving a duty assigned to the position in Minnesota Statutes, section 18.81, subdivision 2.

Subp. 2.

Reports.

A.

The following reports are required from county agricultural inspectors according to Minnesota Statutes, section 18.79, subdivision 7, as a record of their activities in performing the duties assigned to them in Minnesota Statutes, section 18.81, subdivision 1:

(1)

a monthly report to be kept on file in each county and available for review;

(2)

an annual report submitted to the commissioner summarizing their activities in the duties assigned to them and the activities of the local weed inspectors reported to them; and

(3)

special reports, to be requested as needed and submitted to the commissioner, involving one or more of the duties assigned to them.

B.

An annual report must be compiled by the local weed inspector and submitted from each municipality to the county agricultural inspector in the county where the municipality is located. This report is required of local weed inspectors according to Minnesota Statutes, section 18.79, subdivision 7, and it serves as a record of their activities in performing the duties assigned to them in Minnesota Statutes, section 18.81, subdivision 2.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 18.79

History:

20 SR 63

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0760

[Repealed, 27 SR 1820]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0770

[Repealed, 27 SR 1820]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0780

[Repealed, L 2012 c 244 art 1 s 83]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0790

[Repealed, 27 SR 1820]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0800

[Repealed, 27 SR 1820]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0810

[Repealed, L 2012 c 244 art 1 s 83]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0820

[Repealed, L 2009 c 94 art 1 s 107]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

PESTICIDE CONTROL

1505.0830 AUTHORITY.

Parts 1505.0830 to 1505.1290 are prescribed pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 1976, sections 18A.21 to 18A.48, by the commissioner of agriculture to implement provisions to protect the immediate and future health, welfare, and economic status of the people of this state through the control of the use of various pesticides including but not limited to herbicides, insecticides, rodenticides, and fungicides. The provisions specified in parts 1505.0830 to 1505.1290 are in addition to those set forth in the act itself.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 18B.39

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0840

[Repealed, 24 SR 1451]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0850

[Repealed, 24 SR 1451]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0860

[Repealed, 24 SR 1451]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0870

[Repealed, 24 SR 1451]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0880

[Repealed, 24 SR 1451]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0890

[Repealed, 24 SR 1451]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0900

[Repealed, 24 SR 1451]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0910

[Repealed, 24 SR 1451]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0920

[Repealed, 24 SR 1451]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0930

[Repealed, 24 SR 1451]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0940

[Repealed, 24 SR 1451]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0950

[Repealed, 24 SR 1451]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0960 REEXAMINATION PROCEDURES.

If any applicant fails to achieve a passing score on any examination, he/she shall be eligible to retake the examination after 15 days from the date of notification of failure of the first examination. If any applicant fails to achieve a passing score upon retaking an examination, he/she shall be eligible to retake the examination after 30 days from the date of notification of examination failure. A failing applicant may retake an examination no more than three times in one year. Upon submission to the commissioner in writing of specific reasons within 30 days from the date of notification of failure of third retaken examination, an appeal of the score may be made.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 18B.39

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0970

[Repealed, 24 SR 1451]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0980 PRIVATE APPLICATOR CERTIFICATION; PROHIBITIONS; RESTRICTIONS.

Subpart 1.

Certification requirements.

A private applicator is considered certified if the private applicator has, within the past three years, completed one or more of the following state-approved certification programs:

A.

a home study course;

B.

a pesticide training session;

C.

a personal interview by the commissioner; or

D.

a written or oral examination.

Subp. 2.

Prohibition on purchasing or making restricted use pesticides available to uncertified persons.

A person must not purchase a restricted use pesticide for or make a restricted use pesticide available for use by a person who is not licensed or certified.

As used in this subpart, "purchase" means to buy or obtain a restricted use pesticide in exchange for money or something else of value. A purchase has not been completed under this part unless the restricted use pesticide is picked up by or delivered to a person.

Subp. 3.

Restrictions on taking possession of restricted use pesticides by uncertified persons.

A person who is uncertified may take possession of a restricted use pesticide from a pesticide dealer by pick up, delivery, or similar activity for use by a licensed or certified person if:

A.

the licensed or certified person to whom the restricted use pesticide is being made available has a valid license or certification as verified by providing the original or facsimile of the licensed or certified person's applicator card to the pesticide dealer, or by providing the licensed or certified person's license or certification number with the expiration date to the pesticide dealer; and

B.

the uncertified person discloses the person's name and address to the pesticide dealer.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 18B.06; 18B.39

History:

20 SR 759

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.0990

[Repealed, 24 SR 1451]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.1000

[Repealed, 24 SR 1451]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.1010

[Repealed, 24 SR 1451]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.1020

[Repealed, 24 SR 1451]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.1030 ALTERNATIVE FOR LICENSING REQUIREMENT.

Upon written application, the commissioner may grant to an individual an alternative for the licensing requirement and procedures set forth in parts 1505.0830 to 1505.1290, provided that:

A.

there is good cause why the individual cannot comply with the provision of parts 1505.0830 to 1505.1290;

B.

the requirements and procedures provided for in the alternative are equivalent to those set forth in parts 1505.0830 to 1505.1290;

C.

when an examination is involved, the subject matter and difficulty of the examination is equivalent to the examination for which the alternative is granted;

D.

the intent of the act and parts 1505.0830 to 1505.1290 is not violated; and

E.

the environment or the public will not be adversely affected by the alternative requirements or procedures.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 18B.39

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.1040

[Repealed, 24 SR 1451]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.1050

[Repealed, 24 SR 1451]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.1060

[Repealed, 24 SR 1451]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.1070

[Repealed, 24 SR 1451]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.1080 USES AND PROCEDURES.

The following uses and procedures shall also be prescribed: the following inorganic arsenical compounds: sodium arsenite, sodium arsenate, arsenic trioxide, arsenic acid, and arsenic pentoxide shall not be used for weed control. Sodium fluoroacetate, compound 1080, fluoroacetamide (1081), and phosphorus paste, including any mixture, formulation, dilution, or combination thereof shall be restricted as follows:

A.

All the above listed pesticides shall be kept in the custody and used under the direct supervision of a master structural pest control applicator and when held in storage shall be kept in a locked cabinet or vault. Containers and other equipment for weighing, measuring, or mixing of such pesticides shall be labeled "POISON" and kept in a locked cabinet or vault.

B.

The use of soft drink bottles or other food-type containers for storing products containing the pesticides listed above is prohibited.

C.

The use of the above listed pesticides in dwellings is prohibited. Under certain conditions of rodent infestations, the commissioner may grant a special use permit for this compound for a stated date and dwelling location upon written application and finding that: the applicant has shown good cause why an exception would be reasonable, practical, and should be granted; the environment and the public will not be adversely affected; precaution will be taken to protect the environment and the public; and the intent of the act and parts 1505.0830 to 1505.1290 is not violated.

D.

The use of the above listed pesticides shall be prohibited, except upon special written authorization from the commissioner. A follow-up report shall be required in all instances.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 18B.39

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.1090

[Repealed, 9 SR 989]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.1100 RESTRICTED USE PESTICIDE DISPLAY; SALES AND DISTRIBUTION; RECORD KEEPING.

Subpart 1.

Display for sale.

No person shall display for sale any restricted use pesticides in any public area of a store or other place to which the general public has access unless displayed by a sign or placard bearing the following statement in capital letters not less than two inches high: "RESTRICTED USE PESTICIDES -- USER MUST BE CERTIFIED."

Subp. 2.

Sale and distribution to unlicensed or uncertified persons.

A pesticide dealer licensed under Minnesota Statutes, section 18B.31, may offer for sale, sell, and as provided in subpart 3 make restricted use pesticides available to an unlicensed or uncertified person for application by a person licensed or certified under Minnesota Statutes, sections 18B.29 to 18B.36.

Subp. 3.

Making restricted use pesticides available; record keeping.

A.

A restricted use pesticide is considered to be made available when it is picked up by or delivered to a person.

B.

At the time a restricted use pesticide is made available to a person, the pesticide dealer or a person working under the supervision of the pesticide dealer must obtain:

(1)

the date that the restricted use pesticide is made available;

(2)

the name and address of the person to whom the restricted use pesticide is made available if the person is not licensed or certified under Minnesota Statutes, sections 18B.29 to 18B.36;

(3)

the name and the license or certification number of the applicator who will be applying the restricted use pesticide, the expiration date of the applicator's license or certification, and the original or a facsimile copy of the applicator license or certification card if the applicator is licensed or certified by a state other than Minnesota; and

(4)

the pesticide product brand name, EPA registration number, and amount of restricted use pesticide being made available.

C.

All information required under item B must be recorded, either manually or on a computer, by the end of the business day in which a restricted use pesticide is made available to a person. All records must be kept on forms provided by the commissioner. Records may be kept by computer if all information required in item B is included in the computer record.

D.

Records must be submitted to the commissioner no later than December 1 of the calendar year in which they occur.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 18B.06; 18B.39

History:

20 SR 759

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.1110

[Repealed, 24 SR 1451]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.1120 MEANS OF CONTAINMENT.

All persons storing liquid pesticides in containers of a rated capacity of 500 gallons or more shall provide a means of containment of the amount of the rated storage in the event a leak or break should occur in the original storage unit in accordance with parts 7100.0010 to 7100.0090 of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Storage must be provided with suitable lock up when unattended.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 18B.39

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.1130

[Repealed, 24 SR 1451]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.1140

[Repealed, 24 SR 1451]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.1150

[Repealed, 24 SR 1451]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.1160

[Repealed, 24 SR 1451]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.1170

[Repealed, 24 SR 1451]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.1180

[Repealed, 24 SR 1451]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.1190

[Repealed, 24 SR 1451]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.1200

[Repealed, 24 SR 1451]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.1210

[Repealed, 24 SR 1451]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.1220

[Repealed, 24 SR 1451]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.1230

[Repealed, 24 SR 1451]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.1240 FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY.

Commercial pesticide applicators and structural pest control applicators. Applicants for commercial pesticide applicator or structural pest control applicator licenses or renewals shall furnish evidence of financial responsibility acceptable to the commissioner prior to the issuance of such license. This requirement may be satisfied by:

A.

a certificate of net asset statement issued by a financial institution authorized to do business in the state by the Minnesota Department of Commerce, showing net assets available to satisfy judgments equal to or greater than $50,000;

B.

a bond issued by a bonding company authorized to do business in the state by the Minnesota Department of Commerce or liability insurance issued by a company authorized to do business in the state by the Minnesota Department of Commerce for a minimum set forth in parts 1505.1250 and 1505.1260; or

C.

a combination of items A and B.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 18B.39

History:

17 SR 1279

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.1250 LIMITS OF LIABILITY FOR COMMERCIAL PESTICIDE APPLICATORS.

Subpart 1.

Limits of liability.

Limits of liability:

A.

$50,000 for bodily injury or death, each person.

B.

$50,000 for bodily injury or death, each occurrence.

C.

$25,000 for property damage, each occurrence.

Subp. 2.

Liability insurance policy or surety bond.

The commissioner may accept a liability insurance policy or surety bond in the proper sum which has a deductible clause in an amount not exceeding $500 for aerial and ground commercial applicators.

Subp. 3.

Excess liability limits.

The commissioner may, when deemed in the public interest and the intent of the act, require limits of liability in an amount in excess of those set forth in subpart 1 for an individual applicant reasonably commensurate with the applicant's possible liability exposure.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 18B.39

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.1260 LIMITS OF LIABILITY FOR STRUCTURAL PEST CONTROL APPLICATORS.

Subpart 1.

Limits of liability.

Limits of liability:

A.

$100,000 for bodily injury.

B.

$200,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more, each occurrence.

C.

$10,000 for property damage, each occurrence.

Subp. 2.

Liability insurance policy or surety bond.

The commissioner may accept a liability insurance policy or surety bond in the proper sum which has a deductible clause in an amount not exceeding $500.

Subp. 3.

Excess liability limits.

The commissioner may, when deemed in the public interest and intent of the act, require limits of liability in an amount in excess of those set forth in subpart 1 for an individual applicant reasonably commensurate with the applicant's possible liability exposure.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 18B.39

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.1270

[Repealed, 24 SR 1451]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.1280

[Repealed, 24 SR 1451]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.1290 RECIPROCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN STATES.

The commissioner is authorized to enter into reciprocal agreements approved by the attorney general for form and legality with any other state which has a similar state plan for certification of pesticide applicators. Under such agreement, the designated person of the state party to the reciprocal agreement is granted full authority, including reciprocal recognition of licensing and recertification standards, training and testing procedures, and related matters in all states participating in such agreements. The commissioner reserves the right to test any applicant from another state who is seeking certification in Minnesota.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 18B.39

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.1300

[Repealed, 35 SR 1325]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.1310

[Repealed, 35 SR 1325]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.1320

[Repealed, 35 SR 1325]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.1330

[Repealed, 35 SR 1325]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.1340

[Repealed, 35 SR 1325]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.1350

[Repealed, 35 SR 1325]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.1360

[Repealed, 35 SR 1325]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.1370

[Repealed, 35 SR 1325]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.1380

[Repealed, 35 SR 1325]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.1390

[Repealed, 35 SR 1325]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.1400

[Repealed, 35 SR 1325]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.1410

[Repealed, 35 SR 1325]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.1420

[Repealed, 35 SR 1325]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.1430

[Repealed, 35 SR 1325]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.1440

[Repealed, 35 SR 1325]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.1450

[Repealed, 35 SR 1325]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.2000

[Repealed, 17 SR 711]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.2010

[Repealed, 17 SR 711]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.2020

[Repealed, 17 SR 711]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.2030

[Repealed, 17 SR 711]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.2040

[Repealed, 17 SR 711]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.2050

[Repealed, 17 SR 711]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.2060

[Repealed, 17 SR 711]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.2070

[Repealed, 17 SR 711]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.2080

[Repealed, 17 SR 711]

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

AGRICULTURAL CHEMICAL CHEMIGATION SAFETY

1505.2100 DEFINITIONS.

Subpart 1.

Scope.

The definitions in this part and Minnesota Statutes, sections 18B.01 and 18C.005, apply to parts 1505.2100 to 1505.2800.

Subp. 2.

Agricultural chemical.

"Agricultural chemical" means a pesticide as defined in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 18B, or a fertilizer, plant amendment, or soil amendment as defined in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 18C.

Subp. 3.

Antipollution device.

"Antipollution device" means equipment or a device used to prevent the backflow or backsiphonage of agricultural chemicals or mixtures of agricultural chemicals and water to the groundwater or surface water from the application of agricultural chemicals through irrigation systems and includes, but is not limited to, a reduced pressure zone backflow preventer, single or double irrigation system supply check valve, air gap, vacuum relief valve, automatic low pressure drain, injection line check valve, system interlock, low pressure shutdown device, and supply tank safeguard.

Subp. 4.

Automatic low pressure drain valve.

"Automatic low pressure drain valve" means a self-activating device designed and constructed to effectively and immediately drain that portion of an irrigation pipeline or conduit or check valve body whose contents could potentially enter the water supply when operation of the irrigation system pumping plant fails or is shut down.

Subp. 5.

Calibration.

"Calibration" means the use of devices and procedures utilized and employed with a chemigation system to determine the rate of agricultural chemical application.

Subp. 6.

Check valve.

"Check valve" means a device designed and constructed to effectively provide a positive, absolute closure of an irrigation pipeline or conduit or an agricultural chemical injection line that positively prevents the flow of a mixture of agricultural chemicals or agricultural chemicals and water to an irrigation pipeline, water supply, injection device, or supply tank when operation of the irrigation system pumping plant or agricultural chemical injection unit fails or is shut down.

Subp. 7.

Chemigation system.

"Chemigation system" means a device or combination of devices having a hose, pipe, or other conduit directly connected to a water supply through which a mixture of agricultural chemicals, or agricultural chemicals and water, are injected or drawn into and applied to land, crops, or plants.

Subp. 8.

Commissioner.

"Commissioner" means the commissioner of agriculture or an agent authorized by the commissioner.

Subp. 9.

Department.

"Department" means the Department of Agriculture.

Subp. 10.

Fertilizer chemigation.

"Fertilizer chemigation" means a process for applying fertilizers to land or crops including agricultural, nursery, turf, golf course, or greenhouse sites in or with irrigation water during the irrigation process.

Subp. 11.

Incident.

"Incident" means a flood, fire, tornado, transportation accident, storage container rupture, leak, spill, emission discharge, escape, disposal, or other event that releases or immediately threatens to release an agricultural chemical accidentally or otherwise into the environment, and may cause unreasonable adverse effect on the environment. Incident does not include the legal use of an agricultural chemical.

Subp. 12.

Injection unit.

"Injection unit" means an agricultural chemical injection metering pump, venturi (vacuum), pressure differential, or other metering device interlocked with the irrigation system that withdraws an agricultural chemical from a supply tank and injects the agricultural chemical into the irrigation system during a chemigation operation.

Subp. 13.

Interlock.

"Interlock" means the interconnection between an irrigation pump and agricultural chemical injection unit that causes injection system shutdown.

Subp. 14.

Irrigation.

"Irrigation" means the act of supplying water for agricultural and horticultural purposes to land, crops, or plants by means of pipes, hoses, sprinklers, drippers, ditches, furrows, or other devices that are connected directly to a source of ground or surface water.

Subp. 15.

Low pressure shutdown device.

"Low pressure shutdown device" means a device interlocked with the irrigation system that will shut down the irrigation system when the water pressure decreases to the point where an incident may occur.

Subp. 16.

Permitted-by-rule.

"Permitted-by-rule" means an applicant is considered to have a permit under part 1505.2200 to construct and operate a chemigation system if the applicant complies with parts 1505.2100 to 1505.2800, including the submission of a permit application and the required fee under part 1505.2200.

Subp. 17.

Pesticide chemigation.

"Pesticide chemigation" means the process of applying pesticides to land or crops including, but not limited to, agricultural, nursery, turf, golf course, or greenhouse sites in or with irrigation water during the irrigation process.

Subp. 18.

Public water supply.

"Public water supply" has the meaning given in part 4725.0100, subpart 37a.

Subp. 19.

Reduced pressure zone backflow preventer.

"Reduced pressure zone backflow preventer" means a device designed to prevent backflow consisting of two spring loaded check valves with an intermediate reduced pressure zone that drains to the atmosphere by a relief valve, with a reduced pressure maintained in the intermediate zone by means of a pressure differential valve.

Subp. 20.

Substantially altering.

"Substantially altering" means modifying a chemigation system by changing or adding injection units, supply tanks, safeguards, or antipollution devices described in the applicants most recently submitted permit application. Routine maintenance does not constitute a substantial alteration.

Subp. 21.

Vacuum relief valve.

"Vacuum relief valve" means a device effectively designed and built to automatically relieve or break vacuum in an irrigation pipeline or conduit caused by system failure or shut down.

Subp. 22.

Water supply.

"Water supply" means a source of water that is connected directly to an irrigation system such as a single well, group of wells, dug pit, lake, river, or stream.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 18C.121; 18C.575

History:

17 SR 711; 29 SR 655

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.2200 APPLICATION; PERMIT; FEE AND APPLICATION RENEWAL; ALTERATION; INSPECTION.

Subpart 1.

Permit required.

A person shall comply with parts 1505.2100 to 1505.2800 before applying agricultural chemicals through an irrigation system. An applicant is considered to be permitted-by-rule if the applicant is in compliance with parts 1505.2100 to 1505.2800.

Subp. 2.

Initial fee; application renewal.

The application fee for an initial chemigation system permit established by Minnesota Statutes, section 18B.08, subdivision 4, or section 18C.205, subdivision 3, must be submitted with the initial chemigation system permit application. An updated chemigation system permit application must be submitted to the commissioner on forms provided by the commissioner every two years from the date of the applicant's initial submission of their permit application. No additional fee is required.

Subp. 3.

Permits previously granted under repealed parts 1505.2000 to 1505.2080.

An applicant previously granted a permit under repealed parts 1505.2000 to 1505.2080 shall submit an updated permit application every two years from the effective date of parts 1505.2100 to 1505.2800. No additional fee is required.

Subp. 4.

Application.

An applicant for a chemigation system permit shall apply on forms supplied by the commissioner. The application must include, at a minimum:

A.

the name, address, and telephone number of the applicant to whom a permit is to be issued;

B.

the number and location, by legal description, of well heads, surface water supply withdrawal points, or the public water supply that will be used in the chemigation process;

C.

the estimated amounts and types of agricultural chemicals to be applied through the irrigation system;

D.

diagrams or photographs of the irrigation system detailing the required antipollution devices;

E.

diagrams, drawings, and calculations detailing the required safeguards of agricultural chemical storage containers at the chemigation site, if applicable;

F.

the number of the applicant's Department of Natural Resources water appropriation permit, if applicable;

G.

the applicant's or applicant's agent's private applicator certification or noncommercial certification number, if applicable; and

H.

a description of the chemigation system inspection procedures and time frames for inspection.

Subp. 5.

Chemigation system alteration.

Before substantially altering a chemigation system, an applicant shall submit a permit application form to the commissioner describing the changes to be made to the chemigation system. No additional fee is required.

An applicant is considered to be permitted-by-rule for the substantial alteration if the applicant complies with parts 1505.2100 to 1505.2800.

Subp. 6.

Inspection.

Chemigation systems are subject to inspection by the commissioner or the commissioner's agent under Minnesota Statutes, section 18D.201.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 18C.575

History:

17 SR 711

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.2300 AGRICULTURAL CHEMICAL APPLICATION; SETBACKS AND SAFEGUARDING; ANTIPOLLUTION DEVICES; PURGING; POSTING.

Subpart 1.

Application of agricultural chemicals through irrigation systems.

A.

A pesticide may be applied through an irrigation system only if the pesticide is labeled for the method and device specified for application, the crop, and application site.

B.

Fertilizers may be applied through irrigation systems.

Subp. 2.

Setbacks and safeguarding.

A.

Agricultural chemical storage areas and supply tanks, the end of the discharge hose for check valve drain lines, and agricultural chemical mixing and loading areas must not be located closer to a water supply well than the distance specified in chapter 4725. If not specified in chapter 4725, the minimum setback distance for agricultural chemical storage areas and supply tanks, the end of the discharge hose for check valve drain lines, and mixing and loading areas from the water supply must be the same as the minimum setback distance specified in chapter 4725 for agricultural chemical supply tanks and agricultural chemical mixing and loading areas used for chemigation.

B.

An agricultural chemical supply tank must be safeguarded if the tank storage meets at least two of the following conditions:

(1)

the supply tank has a rated capacity of more than 1,500 United States gallons;

(2)

the supply tank is located within 100 feet of a water supply; or

(3)

the supply tank is located at a chemigation site for more than 30 consecutive days.

C.

If required, agricultural chemical supply tanks must be confined to a safeguard that is adequate in the event of a release to prevent movement of the agricultural chemical to the water supply.

The safeguard must consist of a wall and liner or prefabricated basin as specified in item E.

D.

The capacity of the safeguard for an agricultural chemical supply tank must be at least equal to the sum of all of the following:

(1)

the volume of the largest agricultural chemical supply tank or other container within the safeguard;

(2)

25 percent of the capacity of the largest agricultural chemical supply tank or other container within the safeguard for an unroofed safeguard, or ten percent of the capacity of the largest agricultural chemical supply tank or other container within the safeguard covered by a roof; and

(3)

the total volume of released liquid that would be displaced by the portions of all other containers with the safeguard to the height of the safeguard wall and all other fixtures and materials located within the safeguard.

E.

The walls and base of a safeguard may be made of ferrous metal, reinforced concrete, solid reinforced masonry, synthetic lined earth, or prefabricated ferrous metal or synthetic materials. The safeguard must be designed according to standard engineering practices to be leakproof and to withstand a full hydrostatic head of released liquid to the height of the safeguard.

(1)

Masonry walls must be reinforced, capped with concrete, and parged on the interior. The joint between any masonry wall and any floor or liner must use internal waterstops or similar materials to make the joint leakproof. Control joints protected with waterstops or similar materials must be used for the base. The interior base and walls must be coated with a material resistant to agricultural chemicals. Cracks and seams must be sealed.

(2)

The joints between a reinforced concrete wall and any floor or liner must use internal waterstops or similar materials to make the joint leakproof. Control joints protected with waterstops or similar materials must be used for the base. The interior base and walls must be coated with a material resistant to agricultural chemicals. Cracks and seams must be sealed.

(3)

Synthetic liners must have a minimum thickness of 30 mils (0.8 millimeters), be chemically compatible with the materials being stored within the safeguard, photo resistant, and puncture resistant. The earthen base of a synthetic liner must be free of large rocks, angular stones, sticks, or other materials that may puncture the liner.

(4)

A prefabricated safeguard must be composed of rigid walls and a base of ferrous metal or synthetic materials that are resistant to corrosion, puncture, or cracking. Materials used for the safeguard must be chemically compatible with the materials being stored within the safeguard. Synthetic materials must be photo- and puncture-resistant.

(5)

The base and walls of a safeguard may not contain a drain or similar opening.

Subp. 3.

Antipollution devices.

Chemigation systems must be filled with antipollution devices as detailed in this subpart. The devices must be designed and built of materials suitable for those purposes, including agricultural chemical compatibility, and must be kept functional during chemigation. Antipollution devices may be installed as portable devices for use on other permitted chemigation systems, except that portable devices are not allowed for use on systems connected to the public water supply.

A.

A mainline irrigation system supply reduced pressure zone backflow preventer or two check valves in a series must be provided for systems directly connected to a water supply, and must be located in the irrigation system supply pipeline between the irrigation system water supply pump or source of irrigation water and the point of injection of the agricultural chemical.

The following additional conditions apply:

(1)

Mainline check valves:

(a)

a single mainline check valve may be used for the application of fertilizer;

(b)

mainline check valve backflow prevention devices must meet the design and equipment standards in item B;

(c)

mainline check valve backflow prevention devices must be tested and certified by an independent testing laboratory to meet the performance standards in item B; and

(d)

mainline check valves must be stamped, tagged, or otherwise marked to indicate working pressure, flow rate, and direction, and date, month, and year of manufacture.

(2)

Reduced pressure zone backflow preventers:

(a)

a reduced pressure zone backflow preventer must be used when the source of irrigation water is potable water; and

(b)

a reduced pressure zone backflow preventer must be approved by the Department of Health under chapter 4714, and applicants must install and maintain a reduced pressure zone backflow preventer under chapter 4714.

The commissioner shall keep and provide to interested persons a list of Department of Health approved reduced pressure zone backflow preventers and mainline check valves certified by independent testing laboratories. Mainline check valves approved by the commissioner under repealed parts 1505.2000 to 1505.2080 may continue to be used after October 12, 1992, if the mainline check valves comply with item B and the department has been notified of any changes in design or materials.

B.

If a single irrigation system supply check valve or two irrigation system supply check valves in a series are used, each check valve must be equipped with an inspection port or similar device and be immediately preceded in the irrigation system by a vacuum relief valve and automatic low pressure drain valve.

The inspection port must be installed on the horizontal irrigation pipeline on the supply side of each check valve in a manner that the inlet to the automatic low pressure drain can be easily observed during irrigation system shutdown.

The vacuum relief valve must be installed on the top of the horizontal irrigation pipeline on the supply side of the check valve. The valve must have an orifice size of at least a three-quarter inch diameter for a four-inch pipe; a one inch diameter for a five-inch to eight-inch pipe; and a two inch diameter for a ten-inch or 12-inch pipe.

The automatic low pressure drain must be provided on the bottom of the horizontal irrigation pipeline on the supply side of the check valve. The device must have an internal and external orifice size of at least a three-quarter inch diameter. If two check valves in a series are required to be used, the check valve located in line nearest to the pivot or irrigation system must meet one of the following specifications:

(1)

the check valve must use a spring-loaded, automatic, low pressure drain or an automatic low pressure drain with similar operating characteristics; or

(2)

the check valve must use an automatic low pressure drain that will drain the supply side of the body of the check valve within three minutes of system shutdown.

The drain may not extend beyond the inside surface of the bottom of the irrigation pipeline or conduit and must be at least two inches above grade. The device must be positioned, or the location of the grade adjusted, so that liquid will discharge away from a water supply when draining occurs.

An irrigation system supply check valve must be of heavy duty construction with all materials, including internal parts, resistant to corrosion or protected to resist corrosion. It must be rated a minimum of 150 pounds per square inch working pressure and be quick closing by spring action and tight sealing so that no leakage occurs at joints or the valve seat when subjected to an internal hydrostatic pressure test of at least 300 pounds per square inch for one minute. There must be no leakage at joints or the valve seat when the check valve is subjected to an internal hydrostatic pressure equivalent to the head of a column of water five feet high, retained within the downstream portion of the valve body for 16 hours.

Irrigation system supply check valves, when installed, must be level except that a deviation of not more than ten degrees from the horizontal is permitted.

C.

An injection line check valve that is resistant to agricultural chemicals must be provided on the agricultural chemical injection line between the point of agricultural chemical injection into the irrigation system and the agricultural chemical injection unit, pump, or solution tank, and be functional to prevent the flow of liquid from the irrigation line to the agricultural chemical injection device and the flow of liquid or material from the agricultural chemical supply tank to the irrigation line.

D.

An interlock, such as electrical, pressure, mechanical, or water motor, must be provided between the irrigation system or water pump and the agricultural chemical injection unit. If interruption of the irrigation water flow occurs, the interlock must, at a minimum, cause the shutdown of the agricultural chemical injection unit.

E.

A low pressure shutdown device must be used with the irrigation system that will shut down the irrigation system if the water pressure decreases to the point when an incident may occur.

Subp. 4.

Purging system.

The irrigation system must be operated as necessary on each and every occasion after an agricultural chemical injection is terminated to allow for a complete purging of the agricultural chemical from the system.

Subp. 5.

Posting of sites.

Sites being treated with pesticides through chemigation systems must be posted with signs during pesticide treatment. The posting of signs is governed by items A to D.

A.

Signs must be in compliance with subitems (1) to (3).

(1)

Signs must be at least eight and one-half inches by 11 inches, highly visible, with contrasting colors for letters and background.

(2)

Letters must be at least three-eighths of an inch tall.

(3)

Signs must contain at least:

(a)

the signal word from the pesticide label;

(b)

the name of the pesticide;

(c)

the date of treatment; and

(d)

the reentry date as described on the pesticide label.

B.

Signs must be conspicuously placed at usual points of entry for all sites and at property corners for nongreenhouse sites that are immediately adjacent to public transportation routes or other public or private nonagricultural property, except that signs must be placed no greater than 100 feet apart for a field chemigation site that is located immediately adjacent to a public area such as a park, school, or residential area.

C.

Signs must be removed after the reentry date expires unless signs are of a more permanent nature, such as laminated signs, in which case information must be updated as necessary.

D.

If more restrictive instructions for posting exist on the label of the pesticide being used in chemigation, the label instructions must be totally followed.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 18C.575

History:

17 SR 711; 40 SR 71

Published Electronically:

April 1, 2016

1505.2400 RECORDS AND REPORTS.

Pesticide chemigation system application records and fertilizer chemigation system mix and application records must be kept by the chemigation system applicant for five years from the date of application. Records detailing dates of chemigation system inspection, names of persons performing the inspection, and condition of the chemigation unit must be kept on forms provided by the commissioner. System inspection and equipment maintenance records must be retained by the chemigation system permit holder for five years.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 18C.575

History:

17 SR 711

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.2500 RESPONSIBILITY; CALIBRATION AND OPERATION; INSPECTION; OFF-TARGET APPLICATION; INCIDENT PREVENTION; INCIDENT REPORTING.

A chemigation system applicant or the applicant's agent shall:

A.

calibrate and operate each chemigation system in a manner that prevents an agricultural chemical incident or nonlabeled application of a pesticide;

B.

inspect each chemigation system as necessary while agricultural chemicals are being applied;

C.

prevent operation of a chemigation system in such a manner that agricultural chemicals are applied to an area other than an area targeted to receive an agricultural chemical application;

D.

not clean agricultural chemical chemigation application, storage, pumping, or injection equipment in surface waters of the state, or fill or clean agricultural chemical chemigation application, storage, pumping, or injection equipment adjacent to surface waters, ditches, or wells where, because of the slope or other conditions, agricultural chemicals or materials contaminated with agricultural chemicals could enter or contaminate the surface waters, groundwater, or wells, as a result of overflow, leakage, or other causes; and

E.

upon discovering that an incident has occurred, immediately report the incident to the commissioner.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 18C.575

History:

17 SR 711

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.2600 COMMISSIONER'S RESPONSIBILITY.

The commissioner shall annually provide chemigation safety information to each chemigation system applicant.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 18C.575

History:

17 SR 711

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.2700 INSTALLATION; MAINTENANCE; MODIFICATION.

Subpart 1.

Proper installation and maintenance.

Irrigation systems, antipollution devices and valves, and agricultural chemical injection units, pumps, and solution tanks used for chemigation purposes must be installed and maintained to ensure proper functioning during chemigation. Maintenance necessary to assure proper functioning of the device must be performed before introduction of agricultural chemicals.

Subp. 2.

Modification.

If modification or changes in design, technology, irrigation practices, or other similar reasons warrant the use or placement of equipment other than that specified in parts 1505.2100 to 1505.2800, the commissioner may allow the changes if protection to the water supply is at least equal to that provided by the equipment or equipment placement required in parts 1505.2100 to 1505.2800.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 18C.575

History:

17 SR 711

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.2800 PROHIBITED ACTS.

It is a violation of Minnesota Statutes, chapters 18B and 18C, for a person to apply an agricultural chemical to land, crops, or plants in or with irrigation water in violation of parts 1505.2100 to 1505.2800. Parts 1505.2100 to 1505.2800 are enforceable under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 18D.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 18C.575

History:

17 SR 711

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

BULK PESTICIDE STORAGE

1505.3010 DEFINITIONS.

Subpart 1.

Scope.

As used in parts 1505.3010 to 1505.3150, the words and terms defined in this part have the meanings given them.

Subp. 2.

Appurtenances.

"Appurtenances" means valves, pumps, fittings, pipes, hoses, and metering devices that are connected to a bulk pesticide container or used for transferring liquid bulk pesticide between containers.

Subp. 3.

Bulk pesticide.

"Bulk pesticide" means a pesticide that is held in an individual container with a pesticide content of 56 U.S. gallons or more, or 100 pounds or more net dry weight, including minibulk pesticide unless otherwise specified. Only technical grade, formulated grade, and other similar grades of bulk pesticide are included in this definition.

Subp. 4.

Bulk pesticide storage facility.

"Bulk pesticide storage facility" means a site at which a bulk pesticide is stored by a person who distributes or repackages the bulk pesticide.

Subp. 5.

Commissioner.

"Commissioner" means the commissioner of agriculture or the commissioner's authorized agent.

Subp. 6.

Containment area.

"Containment area" means a facility, device, or system or a combination of these designed to prevent the escape or movement of a pesticide from the place it is stored or kept under conditions that might otherwise result in unreasonable adverse effects on the environment.

Subp. 7.

Custom mix.

"Custom mix" means a mixture of registered pesticide or pesticide-fertilizer mixes prepared by a dealer in response to a specific request of an end user of those products.

Subp. 8.

Disposal.

"Disposal" means the release, deposit, injection, dumping, spilling, leaking, or placing of pesticide into or on land or water so that the pesticide may enter the environment or be emitted into the air or released into any surface water or groundwater. This definition, however, does not include pesticide use allowable under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 18B, or rules adopted under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 18B.

Subp. 9.

Dry pesticide.

"Dry pesticide" means pesticide that is in solid form before application or mixing for application, including formulations such as dusts, wettable powders, dry flowable powders, and granules.

Subp. 10.

Groundwater.

"Groundwater" means the water in the zone of saturation in which all of the pore spaces of the subsurface material are filled with water. The water that supplies springs and wells is groundwater.

Subp. 11.

Inorganic soil.

"Inorganic soil" means a soil that is a silty clay loam or finer with less than six percent organic matter. This definition pertains to the specific type of soil used to construct walls and liners of containment areas.

Subp. 12.

Liquid pesticide.

"Liquid pesticide" means pesticide in liquid form, including solutions, emulsions, suspensions, and slurries.

Subp. 13.

Minibulk pesticide.

"Minibulk pesticide" means an amount of liquid pesticide greater than 56 U.S. gallons (211 liters) but not greater than 499 U.S. gallons (1,892 liters), or an amount of dry pesticide greater than 100 pounds (45 kilograms) but not greater than 499 pounds (225 kilograms), that is held in a single container designed for ready handling and transport.

Subp. 14.

New bulk pesticide storage facility.

"New bulk pesticide storage facility" means a bulk pesticide storage facility established after July 1, 1989, at a site that was not previously used as a bulk pesticide storage facility. A facility is established, for purposes of this subpart, on the date it is first placed in use.

Subp. 15.

Previously established bulk pesticide storage facility.

"Previously established bulk pesticide storage facility" means a bulk pesticide storage facility established before July 1, 1989. A facility is established, for purposes of this subpart, on the date it is first placed in use.

Subp. 16.

Release.

"Release" means a pesticide release incident as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 18B.01, subdivision 12, including a pesticide released into a secondary containment or loading area.

Subp. 17.

Release response plan.

"Release response plan" means a plan describing procedures employed for the notification of appropriate state agencies, stopping a release, recovering releases, and cleaning up the release area.

Subp. 18.

Repackaging.

"Repackaging" means a registrant's or manufacturer's authorized transfer and subsequent labeling of a registered pesticide from a bulk pesticide container to another pesticide container 56 U.S. gallons or more in an unaltered state in preparation for sale delivery to another dealer or user.

Subp. 19.

Revised bulk pesticide storage permit application.

"Revised bulk pesticide storage permit application" means an application for a bulk pesticide storage permit filed with the commissioner detailing substantial alterations that are to be made to a facility.

Subp. 20.

Storage container.

"Storage container" means a container used for the fixed storage of bulk pesticide, including a rail car, nurse tank, minibulk tank, or other mobile container for more than ten consecutive days. This definition does not include a container used solely for emergency storage of leaking pesticide containers that are less than 56 U.S. gallons or pesticide rinsate holding tanks.

Subp. 21.

Substantially altering.

"Substantially altering" includes, but is not limited to, the modification of a bulk pesticide storage facility through the changing, addition, or removal of bulk pesticide storage containers, appurtenances, load areas, secondary containment, or any modifications that may result in reducing the effectiveness of safeguards. This definition does not include the routine maintenance of bulk pesticide storage containers, load areas, secondary containment, or appurtenances.

Subp. 22.

Surface water.

"Surface water" means water that rests or flows on the surface of the ground.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 18B.06; 18B.14

History:

14 SR 161

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.3020 NEW FACILITIES.

Subpart 1.

Permit required.

No person may construct or operate a new bulk pesticide storage facility without first obtaining a permit under parts 1505.3040 and 1505.3050.

Subp. 2.

Information required before construction.

After being granted a permit by the commissioner, and before beginning construction of the bulk pesticide storage facility, an owner or manager shall submit to the commissioner:

A.

the name, address, and telephone number of the persons who will construct, install, or modify the facility; and

B.

copies of any permits or letters of authorization required by any local unit of government for the construction, installation, or modification of the facility.

Subp. 3.

Compliance within 90 days.

Within 90 days after being granted a permit by the commissioner, a new bulk pesticide storage facility owner or manager shall comply with parts 1505.3010 to 1505.3150.

Subp. 4.

Time extension.

The commissioner shall grant a time extension of up to 180 days for delays due to construction or equipment or material procurement if requested in writing by the facility owner or manager. The commissioner shall set forth in writing the reasons for granting or denying a requested time extension within 15 days of the request.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 18B.06; 18B.14

History:

14 SR 161

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.3030 PREVIOUSLY ESTABLISHED FACILITIES.

A person who operates a bulk pesticide storage facility established before July 1, 1989, must comply with items A to C.

A.

The person must, by July 1, 1990, file with the commissioner an application for a bulk pesticide storage permit under parts 1505.3040 and 1505.3050 and comply with parts 1505.3010, 1505.3030, 1505.3060, and 1505.3090 to 1505.3150.

B.

The person must, by July 1, 1991, comply with parts 1505.3070 and 1505.3080. The commissioner shall grant a time extension of up to one year for delays due to construction or equipment or material procurement, if requested in writing by the facility owner or manager. The commissioner shall set forth, in writing, the reasons for granting or denying a requested time extension within 15 days of the request.

C.

After being granted a bulk pesticide storage permit by the commissioner, and before beginning any construction or substantially altering an existing bulk pesticide storage facility, the person must submit to the commissioner:

(1)

the name, address, and telephone number of the persons who will construct, install, or modify the facility; and

(2)

copies of any permits or letters of authorization required by any local or state unit of government for the construction, installation, or modification of the facility.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 18B.06; 18B.14

History:

14 SR 161

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.3040 BULK PESTICIDE STORAGE PERMIT.

Subpart 1.

Commissioner's review of application.

The commissioner shall review an initial application as submitted under part 1505.3050 within 30 days of receipt and either issue a bulk pesticide storage permit or advise the applicant, in writing, of an unsatisfactory review and detail all changes necessary in order to achieve compliance. Upon receipt of the additional requested compliance information from a person, the commissioner has 15 days in which to issue a bulk pesticide storage permit or advise the applicant, in writing, of an unsatisfactory review and detail all changes necessary in order to achieve compliance.

Subp. 2.

Substantial alterations.

No person may substantially alter any bulk pesticide storage facility without first being granted a revised bulk pesticide storage permit from the commissioner. The person must file a revised bulk pesticide storage permit application detailing the proposed alterations with the commissioner. The commissioner shall review an application for a revised bulk pesticide storage permit within 30 days of receipt and either issue a revised bulk pesticide storage permit or advise the applicant, in writing, of an unsatisfactory review and detail all changes necessary in order to achieve compliance.

Subp. 3.

Denial; revocation; suspension.

After written notice and a hearing, a bulk pesticide storage permit may be denied, revoked, or suspended for one or more of the following reasons:

A.

failure to fully comply with parts 1505.3010 to 1505.3150;

B.

obtaining the permit by misrepresentation or by failure to disclose all relevant facts; or

C.

discovery of unreasonable adverse effects to the environment caused by the activities of the permit holder in the conduct of actions undertaken under the permit.

Subp. 4.

Permit transfer.

A bulk pesticide storage permit may be transferred from one person to another if an application for a permit detailing any changes and including the required fee is filed with the commissioner prior to the transfer.

Subp. 5.

Permit exceptions.

Persons who store bulk pesticides in a storage container of a rated capacity of less than 500 U.S. gallons or who store bulk pesticides in individual storage containers at a site where the total storage amount of bulk pesticide is less than 500 U.S. gallons, are not required to obtain a bulk pesticide storage permit, but are required to comply with all other applicable provisions of this part.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 18B.06; 18B.14

History:

14 SR 161

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.3050 APPLICATION AND PERMIT FEE.

Subpart 1.

Information required.

Application for a bulk pesticide storage permit must be on forms provided by the commissioner. The application must contain at least, but is not limited to, the following information:

A.

a differentiation as to whether the bulk pesticide storage facility should be regarded as new or previously established;

B.

the name, address, and telephone number of the person making application;

C.

the name, address, and telephone number of the persons that will own and operate the facility;

D.

the location of the facility, including its legal description;

E.

photographs or a diagram of the current or proposed facility, including all buildings, tanks, fertilizer storage areas, mixing, loading, and rinsate recycling areas, vehicle washing areas, and bulk pesticide storage areas;

F.

a geologic report of the facility property and the surrounding area, including maps, photographs, or diagrams of:

(1)

the land use (crop land, residential, or business) within one-quarter mile radius of the facility;

(2)

the distance and direction to surface water, drainage ditches, and storm sewers within one-quarter mile radius of the facility;

(3)

the distance and direction to any source of a public water supply serving the facility;

(4)

the year installed, depth, direction, and distance to any well on or within 150 feet of all existing and proposed loading and secondary containment areas; and

(5)

the type of soils to the three foot depth beneath the surface fill such as, but not limited to, gravel, rock, or other soils of all existing and proposed loading and secondary containment areas.

G.

the number, age or condition, dimension, capacity, and material description of the liquid bulk pesticide storage containers and a list of pesticides to be stored in them, with United States Environmental Protection Agency registration numbers;

H.

a certification that to the best of the owner's or manager's knowledge the loading and containment areas will be built in accordance with construction and plumbing plans submitted and will comply with the design, construction, and containment requirements of parts 1505.3070 and 1505.3080;

I.

at least one scale drawing of the loading and secondary containment areas to include a construction material specification or design guide;

J.

a plumbing diagram showing the location, type, and specifications of the appurtenances used in storing or transferring bulk pesticides;

K.

a copy of the release response plan as described in part 1505.3100; and

L.

the person's federal Environmental Protection Agency establishment number, if required.

Subp. 2.

Fee.

The initial application for a bulk pesticide storage permit must be accompanied by the fee required in Minnesota Statutes, section 18B.14, for each bulk pesticide storage facility. No fee is required to apply for a revised bulk pesticide storage permit.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 18B.06; 18B.14

History:

14 SR 161

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.3060 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS.

Subpart 1.

Establishment number.

A facility that repackages bulk pesticides must obtain a pesticide producer establishment number from the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Subp. 2.

Exception.

A person who custom mixes pesticides for application by the person's firm only, is not required to secure a pesticide producer establishment number from the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Subp. 3.

Storage containers and appurtenances.

A.

Storage containers and appurtenances must be constructed, installed, and maintained to prevent the release of liquid bulk pesticide. Storage containers and appurtenances must be structurally sound, resistant to changes in temperature extremes, and constructed of materials that are adequately thick to be structurally sound and that are resistant to corrosion, puncture, or cracking. Materials used in the construction or repair of storage containers and appurtenances may not be of a type that reacts chemically or electrolytically with stored bulk pesticide in a way that may weaken the storage container or appurtenance, create a risk of release, or adulterate the pesticide. Metals used for valves, fittings, and repairs on metal containers must be compatible with the metals used in the construction of the storage container, so that the combination of metals does not cause or increase corrosion that may weaken the storage container or its appurtenances, or create a risk of release. Storage containers and appurtenances must be designed to handle all operating stresses taking into account the foreseeable course of operations. Underground appurtenances are prohibited as part of a system designed and constructed for transferring bulk pesticides unless approved by the commissioner.

B.

Storage containers may only be constructed of stainless steel, fiberglass, polyethylene, ferrous metal, cross-linked polyolefin, or other commissioner-approved materials that are suitable for the stored bulk pesticide. Polyvinyl chloride tanks, fittings, and appurtenances are prohibited.

Ferrous metal tanks must have a protective lining that inhibits corrosion and does not react chemically with the stored pesticide.

Unlined ferrous metal tanks may be used only with proof of compatibility from the pesticide manufacturer.

C.

Storage container connections, except safety relief connections, must be equipped with a shutoff valve located on the storage container or at a distance from the storage container dictated by standard engineering practice and in compliance with this part. Wetted parts inside shutoff valves and connections from the storage container to the shutoff valve must be made of stainless steel.

D.

Storage containers must be equipped with a liquid level gauging device by which the level of liquid in the storage container can be readily and safely determined. A liquid level gauging device is not required if the level of the liquid in a storage container can be readily and reliably measured by other means. Liquid level gauging devices must be secured, in a safe manner, to protect against breakage or vandalism that may result in release. External sight gauges are permitted only with approval from the commissioner.

E.

Meters and scales used for the sale of bulk pesticide must be compatible with the pesticide being metered or weighed.

F.

Pipes and fittings must be adequately supported to prevent sagging and possible breakage because of gravity and other forces that may be encountered in the ordinary course of operations.

G.

Valves must be secured and of a locking type to protect against vandalism or accidental valve openings that may result in a release.

H.

Storage containers must be equipped with a vent or other device designed to relieve excess pressure, prevent losses by evaporation, and exclude precipitation.

Subp. 4.

Anchoring of storage containers.

Storage containers must be anchored to prevent flotation or instability that might occur as a result of liquid accumulations within a secondary containment area built under part 1505.3080. Anchoring may be accomplished by guy wires, or other commissioner-approved anchors.

Subp. 5.

Security.

Storage containers must be secured against access by unauthorized persons and provide protection against access by wildlife. Appurtenances must be fenced or otherwise secured to provide reasonable protection against vandalism or unauthorized access that may result in a release. Valves on storage containers must be locked or otherwise secured except when persons responsible for facility security are present at the facility. Valves on rail cars, nurse tanks, and other mobile pesticide containers parked overnight at a storage facility must be locked or secured except when persons responsible for facility security are present at the facility.

Subp. 6.

Filling.

Storage containers must not be filled to more than 95 percent of capacity unless the storage container construction or location provides constant temperature control of the container contents.

Repackaging and delivery of bulk pesticides must be attended and supervised at all times by the owner, manager, or an employee of the facility.

Subp. 7.

Protection against damage by moving vehicles.

Storage containers and appurtenances, including pipes, must be protected against reasonably foreseeable risks of damage by trucks and other moving vehicles and objects.

Subp. 8.

Storage of dry bulk pesticide.

Except during loading, stored dry bulk pesticide must be covered by a roof or tarpaulin that will exclude precipitation from the pesticide. Storage containers must be placed on a concrete or other impervious surfaced floor on pallets or on a raised platform to prevent the accumulation of water in or under the pesticide.

Storage facilities must be secured against entry by unauthorized persons or wildlife.

Subp. 9.

Labeling of storage containers.

Every storage container must bear a current pesticide product label as required by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

For outside storage, the label required under this part must be placed on the storage container so as to be visible from outside of the secondary containment area. The label must be legible at all times. The type size used on the label must be that specified in Code of Federal Regulations, title 40, part 162.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 18B.06; 18B.14

History:

14 SR 161

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.3070 LOADING AREAS.

Subpart 1.

Containment for liquid bulk pesticide loading sites.

An area used for the loading of liquid bulk pesticide into fixed storage containers, mobile containers, or pesticide application equipment at a bulk pesticide storage facility must be provided with a means of containment that is elevated above the surrounding area, constructed of reinforced concrete or other commissioner-approved material, and designed and constructed for the intended purpose. The means of containment must not contain a drain and must comply with either item A or B.

A.

A curbed loading area without a sediment trap must comply with subitems (1) and (2).

(1)

The perimeter of the area must be curbed a minimum of three inches in height to prevent runoff and the curbed surface must form a liquid-tight containment area.

(2)

The curbed surface and containment area must contain a minimum of 1,000 U.S. gallons.

B.

A sloped surface that contains a sediment trap must comply with subitems (1) to (3).

(1)

The perimeter of the area must be curbed three inches in height to prevent runoff and must form a liquid-tight containment area.

(2)

The area must be sloped to a sediment trap used only for the temporary collection of spilled or released pesticides. The sediment trap may not be greater than two feet deep or hold more than 109 U.S. gallons.

(3)

The area must contain a minimum of 1,000 U.S. gallons.

Subp. 2.

Containment for pesticide-impregnated fertilizer loading sites.

An area used for the loading of pesticide impregnated fertilizer into fixed storage containers, mobile containers, or pesticide application equipment at a bulk pesticide storage facility must be provided with the means of containment in items A to C.

A.

The containment area for pesticide-impregnated fertilizer loading must be elevated above the surrounding area, be constructed of reinforced concrete or other commissioner-approved material, and be designed and constructed for the intended purpose. A scale with a liquid-tight containment area is acceptable.

B.

The containment area must be of adequate size to fully hold the largest fixed storage container, mobile containers, or commercial pesticide application equipment that will be loaded on the area.

C.

The containment area must be protected or managed in a manner that will prevent pesticide-contaminated runoff from leaving the area.

Subp. 3.

Load area exceptions and underground plumbing.

A.

If load areas for fixed storage containers, mobile containers, or pesticide application equipment are physically separated from one another, each separate load area must be of a design, size, and construction to contain a minimum of 500 U.S. gallons.

B.

If no bulk pesticide storage container at the storage facility has a rated capacity of more than 500 U.S. gallons, the load area must be of a design, size, and construction to contain a minimum of 500 U.S. gallons.

If no bulk pesticide storage container at the storage facility has a rated capacity of more than 250 U.S. gallons, the load area must be of a design, size, and construction to contain a minimum of 250 U.S. gallons.

C.

A load area is not required for areas used for loading anhydrous ammonia tanks with pesticides used to control the nitrification process, if:

(1)

the bulk pesticide storage container, pump, and associated connections are located within a secondary containment area;

(2)

all pesticide delivery hoses are placed in the secondary containment area between uses;

(3)

no aluminum components are used; and

(4)

all pesticide releases are immediately abated and recovered.

D.

Any underground plumbing used for transferring rinsates or sediment from a sediment trap to rinsate tanks must be designed, constructed, installed, and maintained to prevent the release of pesticides to the environment and the backflow of pesticide rinsates to the sediment trap.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 18B.06; 18B.14

History:

14 SR 161

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.3080 SECONDARY CONTAINMENT AREAS.

Subpart 1.

General requirements.

Liquid bulk pesticide storage containers must be confined to a secondary containment area that is adequate, in the event of a release, to prevent the movement of liquid pesticides to surface or ground water. The loading area as specified in part 1505.3070 must not be located, designed, or constructed in such a way so as to compromise the required secondary containment of subpart 2. The secondary containment provisions also apply to liquid bulk pesticides stored in a location covered by a roof. A secondary containment area must consist of:

A.

a wall and liner as provided under subparts 4 and 5;

B.

a prefabricated secondary containment basin as provided under subpart 6; or

C.

other safeguards approved by the commissioner.

Subp. 2.

Capacity.

The capacity of a secondary containment area for a bulk pesticide storage facility must be at least equal to the sum of all of the following:

A.

the greatest volume of liquid bulk pesticide or liquid bulk fertilizer that could be released from the largest storage container within the secondary containment area;

B.

25 percent of the capacity of the largest liquid bulk pesticide or liquid bulk fertilizer storage container located within the secondary containment area for an outdoor storage container, or ten percent of the capacity of the largest liquid bulk pesticide container or liquid bulk fertilizer if stored in a location covered by a roof; and

C.

the total volume of released liquid which would be displaced by the portions of all other storage containers within the secondary containment area to the height of the containment wall and all other fixtures and materials located within the secondary containment area (including pesticide or fertilizer diluent, empty pesticide containers, recovered pesticide or fertilizer releases, and liquid pesticide or fertilizer metering equipment).

Subp. 3.

Storage with other commodities or equipment.

A.

Liquid bulk pesticide, liquid bulk fertilizer, pesticide or fertilizer diluent, empty pesticide containers, recovered pesticide or fertilizer releases, or liquid pesticide or fertilizer metering equipment may be stored within the bulk pesticide secondary containment area.

B.

The total containment capacity calculated in subpart 2 may not be compromised by storing liquid bulk pesticide or liquid bulk fertilizer, pesticide or fertilizer diluent, pesticide containers, pesticide or fertilizer releases, pesticide or fertilizer metering equipment, or other equipment or products in amounts greater than the amounts which were originally calculated as necessary displacement in subpart 2.

C.

A liquid bulk pesticide storage containment area may be located within the boundary of a liquid bulk fertilizer containment area if:

(1)

the containment areas are separated by a wall described in subpart 4;

(2)

the bulk pesticide is contained in an anchored prefabricated containment unit as described in subpart 6; or

(3)

each bulk pesticide storage container and its appurtenances is effectively protected from corrosion and flotation by liquid bulk fertilizers.

Subp. 4.

Walls.

The walls of a secondary containment area must be made of ferrous metal, inorganic soil, stainless steel, reinforced concrete, or solid reinforced masonry and must be designed to withstand a full hydrostatic head of any released liquid. Cracks and seams must be sealed as needed to prevent leakage. Walls constructed of inorganic soil must be lined as provided under subpart 5, item D, be protected from erosion, and have a horizontal to vertical slope of at least three to one, unless a steeper slope is consistent with good engineering practice. Walls may not exceed six feet in height above the interior grade.

A.

All bulk pesticide tanks must be placed a minimum of one foot from a secondary containment area wall.

B.

Tanks over ten feet high stored outdoors must be located at least three feet from the secondary containment area wall.

C.

The walls of a secondary containment area may not contain a drain or other similar opening.

D.

Masonry walls must be reinforced, capped with concrete, and parged on the interior.

E.

The joint between a masonry wall and any floor or subsurface that it is constructed on must be constructed, sealed, and protected in such a way that it prevents any pesticide leakage from leaving the containment area.

Subp. 5.

Lining.

A.

The base of a secondary containment area and any inorganic soil walls of a secondary containment area must be lined with reinforced concrete, a synthetic liner, an inorganic soil liner, ferrous metal, or stainless steel designed to limit the permeability of the base and walls. Liners must meet the requirements of this subpart. The base of a secondary containment area may not contain a drain or other similar opening used to release pesticides or precipitation. Dissimilar materials may not be used together for a wall and liner combination unless approved by the commissioner.

B.

Concrete liners must be designed according to good engineering practices to withstand any foreseeable loading conditions, including a full hydrostatic head of released liquid. Cracks and seams must be sealed to prevent leakage.

C.

Synthetic liners must have a minimum thickness of 30 mils (0.8 millimeters), be chemically compatible with the materials being stored within the secondary containment area, be photo-resistant, and be puncture resistant. Confirmation of chemical compatibility and an estimate of liner life must be retained by the firm for inspection upon request by the Department of Agriculture. The synthetic liner must be protected by a 12-inch (30-centimeter) layer of inorganic soil or half-inch diameter rounded stone above the liner and a six-inch (15-centimeter) layer of inorganic soil below the liner. Soil layers must be free of large rocks, angular stones, sticks, or other materials that may puncture the liner. Synthetic liners must be installed according to the manufacturer's recommendations and, if necessary, under the supervision of a qualified representative of the manufacturer, and all field-constructed seams must be tested, and repaired if necessary, in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. Pesticide releases onto the inorganic soil portion of a synthetic liner containment area must be managed by the removal of contaminated soils. Disposition of contaminated soils is subject to approval from the Department of Agriculture. Integrity of the inorganic soil portion of the synthetic liner containment area must be restored under all circumstances.

D.

Soil liners must comply with subitems (1) to (5).

(1)

A liner may be constructed of inorganic soil treated with bentonite clay if the liner meets the requirements of this subitem. The liner must be designed and constructed according to good engineering practices, extend a minimum of six feet beyond the wall, and achieve a coefficient of permeability not to exceed 1 X 10-6 cm/sec, with a thickness of not less than six inches (15 centimeters). The liner must be covered by an inorganic soil layer not less than six inches (15 centimeters) thick. Liners may not be constructed of frost-susceptible soils, which include silts and silty sand.

(2)

Bentonite-treated liners must consist of a uniform mixture of inorganic soil and bentonite. The inorganic soil used in the mixture must have a plasticity index of at least 12. At least 30 percent by weight of the inorganic soil must pass a No. 200 sieve, and less than five percent of the inorganic soil must be retained on a No. 4 sieve. Ninety percent of the bentonite by weight must pass a No. 80 sieve, and the inorganic soil-bentonite mixture must contain at least five percent bentonite by weight.

(3)

An inorganic soil may not be used as part of a soil liner if less than 50 percent by weight of the soil passes a No. 200 sieve, or if more than five percent by weight of the inorganic soil is retained on a No. 4 sieve.

(4)

Soil liners must be maintained to prevent cracking or other conditions that may compromise the integrity of containment. Pesticide releases into an inorganic soil-bentonite liner containment area must be managed by removal of contaminated soils within 48 hours. Contaminated soils must be used at labeled rates consistent with labeled end uses for the intended crop, or stored and used later at labeled rates consistent with labeled end uses for the intended crop, or disposed of according to local, state, and federal regulations. Integrity of the inorganic soil walls and inorganic soil-bentonite liner after a spill must be restored under all circumstances.

(5)

An owner or manager shall submit to the commissioner, upon request, certification by a registered engineer practicing in the geotechnical field to verify that the coefficient of permeability of the liner does not exceed 1 X 10-6 cm/sec or that the inorganic soil lined containment area will contain released liquid to the height of the containment wall for at least 72 hours.

Subp. 6.

Prefabricated secondary containment basin.

A prefabricated secondary containment basin must be composed of a rigid prefabricated basin having both a base and walls constructed of steel or synthetic materials which are resistant to corrosion, puncture, or cracking. Materials used for the prefabricated basin must be chemically compatible with the products being stored in the bulk pesticide tank. A written confirmation of compatibility from the basin manufacturer must be kept on file at the storage facility or at the nearest local office from which the storage facility is administered. The prefabricated facility must be designed and installed to contain the amounts listed in subpart 2, including the tank load and a full hydrostatic head of any released liquid. Multiple basins connected to provide the capacity required under subpart 2, must be connected in a way that assures an unrestricted transfer of released liquid between basins. A prefabricated containment basin may not be located where fire could damage the containment vessel and compromise the intended containment.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 18B.06; 18B.14

History:

14 SR 161

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.3090 RECOVERY, USE, OR DISPOSAL OF PESTICIDE RELEASES.

Subpart 1.

Loading areas and secondary containment areas.

All pesticide releases occurring in an area confined to loading areas described in part 1505.3070 and secondary containment areas described in part 1505.3080 must be recovered as soon as possible and must either be used, stored, or disposed of. Use and storage must be according to pesticide label instructions. Disposal must be according to local, state, and federal regulations. The Department of Agriculture must be immediately notified of all releases.

Subp. 2.

Precipitation accumulations.

A.

Precipitation must not be permitted to accumulate in a secondary containment area or loading area to the point where the accumulation may tend to:

(1)

compromise the ability of the secondary containment area or loading areas to contain the amounts indicated in part 1505.3070 or 1505.3080;

(2)

increase the corrosion of storage containers or appurtenances; or

(3)

impair the stability of storage containers.

B.

Precipitation, if contaminated with pesticide residues, must be:

(1)

removed and used at labeled rates on sites consistent with labeled end uses for the intended target crop;

(2)

removed and stored for later use according to subitem (1);

(3)

disposed of according to local, state, and federal regulations; or

(4)

used at a rate of no more than five percent of the total tank mix for delivery rates of 40 gallons per acre or less and ten percent for delivery rates of more than 40 gallons per acre. Records must be kept indicating amounts, crop to which applied, and dates.

C.

Uncontaminated precipitation may be released to a vegetated area allowing for even distribution over the entire area or used as water for mixing.

Subp. 3.

Use of pesticide rinsate, pesticide containing sludge, or pesticide containing washwater accumulations.

A.

Sludge, rinsates, or washwater generated in a pesticide loading or secondary containment area as a result of loading, washing, rinsing, cleanup, or similar practices must be:

(1)

removed and used at labeled rates consistent with labeled end uses for the intended target crop;

(2)

removed and stored for later use according to subitem (1); or

(3)

disposed of according to local, state, and federal regulations.

B.

Sludge must be removed from a sediment trap before the trap is half full.

C.

Rinsates and sludges may be used at a rate of no more than five percent of any total tank mix for delivery rates of 40 gallons per acre or less and ten percent for delivery rates of more than 40 gallons per acre. Washwater not contaminated with pesticides may be used undiluted.

D.

Records indicating the amount removed (pounds or gallons), the location and acreage treated, and crops to which applied must be kept and made available for review during inspections by the commissioner. Records must be retained for a minimum of five years.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 18B.06; 18B.14

History:

14 SR 161

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.3100 PREPARATION FOR CONTROL AND RECOVERY OF PESTICIDE RELEASES.

Subpart 1.

Release response plan.

The operator of a bulk pesticide storage facility shall prepare a written release response plan for the storage facility. The operator shall keep the plan current at all times. A copy of the plan must be kept at a prominent location at the storage facility and at the nearest local office from which the storage facility is administered, and must be made available for employee use and for inspection by the department. The operator of the storage facility shall provide a current copy of the plan to the local fire and police departments. The plan must include, but is not limited to:

A.

the identity and telephone numbers of the persons who are to be contacted in the event of a release;

B.

for every bulk pesticide stored at the facility, a complete copy of the storage container label required under part 1505.3060, subpart 9, and Minnesota Statutes, section 18B.26;

C.

a complete copy of the material safety data sheet for every bulk pesticide stored at the facility;

D.

the procedures and equipment to be used in controlling and recovering or otherwise responding to a release; and

E.

an identification, by location, of every bulk pesticide storage container located at the facility, and the type of bulk pesticide stored in each storage container.

The plan need not include the specific location of each storage container of minibulk pesticide, if the plan includes the general location within the facility at which storage containers of minibulk pesticide are held.

Subp. 2.

Equipment and supplies.

Bulk pesticide storage facilities must have on the premises equipment needed to mitigate and recover pesticide releases. The equipment must include and is not limited to pumps, recovery containers, personal protective equipment, absorbent materials, and other materials used to control and recover pesticide releases. A checklist of release response equipment and its location must be posted with the release response plan.

Subp. 3.

Training.

The owner or manager of the storage facility shall conduct release response training for all new and existing employees of the facility annually before the beginning of the pesticide use season. New employees must receive training within 30 days of employment. The owner or manager and employees are responsible for following the firm's release response procedures pursuant to the release response plan to minimize contamination of the environment.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 18B.06; 18B.14

History:

14 SR 161

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.3110 INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE.

Subpart 1.

Records.

The operator of a bulk pesticide storage facility shall inspect and maintain storage containers, appurtenances, loading areas, and secondary containment areas to minimize the risk of a pesticide release. A written record of all inspections and maintenance must be made on the day of the inspection or maintenance and kept at the storage site or at the nearest local office from which the storage site is administered. A record of all pesticide releases onto the loading area or into the secondary containment area including date, time, type of pesticide, volume, cause, actions to contain, and management of the release must be kept for at least five years.

Subp. 2.

Schedule.

A bulk pesticide container and its appurtenances must be inspected for leakage at least weekly during the use season. A secondary containment area must be inspected for condition and leakage of the base, seams, and walls at least monthly while bulk pesticide is in storage. Loading area pads must be inspected for leakage at least monthly during the use season.

Inspection records must contain the name of the person making the inspection, the date of each inspection, conditions noted, and maintenance performed.

Maintenance of the bulk pesticide storage facility must be performed as necessary in order to ensure that the integrity of the bulk pesticide containers, secondary containment areas, and loading areas is maintained.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 18B.06; 18B.14

History:

14 SR 161

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.3120 RECORD KEEPING.

The following records must be prepared and kept on file at the bulk pesticide storage facility while bulk pesticides are being stored in a storage container:

A.

the beginning and end amounts in each fixed storage container calculated and recorded at the time of each filling;

B.

the amount of bulk pesticide delivered, sold, and used; and

C.

the names of the persons preparing the information in items A and B and the dates the information was prepared.

The records must be available and must be submitted to the commissioner within 24 hours of a request. Weighing, metering, or direct measurement are acceptable methods for calculating storage amounts.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 18B.06; 18B.14

History:

14 SR 161

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.3130 UNDERGROUND BULK PESTICIDE STORAGE.

Subpart 1.

New underground bulk pesticide storage prohibited.

After July 1, 1989, no new underground bulk pesticide storage is allowed. This prohibition does not apply to catch basins, containment areas, or sediment traps, used for the temporary collection of pesticides from transfer and loading areas under part 1505.3070, or to underground storage, dip, or other tanks used to contain pesticides used in the wood preservatives industry.

Subp. 2.

Existing and exempted underground bulk pesticide storage.

Underground bulk pesticide storage tanks in use as of July 1, 1989, or those tanks exempted from subpart 1 must conform with all applicable statutes and rules enforced by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, and must perform and provide to the commissioner upon request a leak certification test for each underground bulk pesticide storage tank.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 18B.06; 18B.14

History:

14 SR 161

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.3140 ABANDONED CONTAINERS.

Subpart 1.

Abandonment.

Storage containers and other containers used at a storage facility to hold bulk pesticide or pesticide rinsate are considered abandoned containers under this part if they have been out of service for more than six months because of a weakness or leak, or have been out of service for any reason for more than one year.

Subp. 2.

Underground containers.

Abandoned underground tanks in place at previously existing facilities must be thoroughly cleaned and removed from the ground.

Subp. 3.

Aboveground containers.

Abandoned aboveground containers must be thoroughly cleaned. All hatches on the containers must be removed and all valves or connections must be removed.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 18B.06; 18B.14

History:

14 SR 161

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.3150 EXEMPTIONS.

Subpart 1.

Mobile containers.

The secondary containment requirements of part 1505.3080 do not apply to rail cars, nurse tanks, other mobile containers, or minibulk containers which are located at the bulk pesticide storage facility for less than ten consecutive days incidental to loading fixed bulk pesticide containers.

Subp. 2.

Alternate technology.

The commissioner shall exempt any person from a requirement under this part if compliance is not technically feasible, but only if the commissioner finds that the alternative measures provide substantially similar protection to the ground and surface water of the state. A person requesting an exemption shall submit to the commissioner in writing a request for an exemption detailing the alternative measures proposed. The commissioner has 45 days to analyze the facts presented and grant the exemption or advise the person of an unsatisfactory review and detail all changes necessary to achieve compliance.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 18B.06; 18B.14

History:

14 SR 161

Published Electronically:

September 17, 2013

1505.4000 PURPOSE.

Parts 1505.4000 to 1505.4130 provide the administrative procedures and requirements for local units of government to develop delegation agreements with the commissioner for local implementation of the state pesticide control law.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 18B.06

History:

20 SR 468

Published Electronically:

March 7, 2014

1505.4010 SCOPE.

Parts 1505.4000 to 1505.4130 apply to all local units of government. No local unit of government is allowed to implement any portion of the state pesticide control law at the local level except by adoption of a delegation agreement which has been signed by the commissioner or as specifically provided by Minnesota Statutes, section 18.81 or 18B.09. Portions of the state pesticide control law which are available for delegation to local units of government are limited to: Minnesota Statutes, section 18B.07, subdivision 3 (identification of proper posting, according to product labeling, of areas where pesticides have been applied); Minnesota Statutes, section 18B.07, subdivision 4 (identification of maintenance of proper safeguards, according to MDA requirements as provided in parts 1505.3010 to 1505.3150, to prevent incidents); Minnesota Statutes, section 18B.07, subdivision 5 (identification of proper backflow prevention devices when public water supplies are used in filling pesticide application equipment); Minnesota Statutes, section 18B.07, subdivision 6 (identification of proper anti-backsiphoning devices when public waters are used for filling pesticide application equipment); Minnesota Statutes, section 18B.07, subdivision 8 (identification of proper disposal of pesticide containers); Minnesota Statutes, section 18B.08, subdivision 1 (confirmation of the holding of valid state permits for chemigation); Minnesota Statutes, section 18B.08, subdivision 3 (identification of proper backflow prevention for chemigation systems); Minnesota Statutes, section 18B.14, subdivision 2, paragraph (a) (confirmation of the holding of valid permitting for bulk storage of pesticides); Minnesota Statutes, section 18B.31, subdivisions 1 to 3 (confirmation of the holding of valid state dealer licensing for wholesale or retail sale of restricted use or bulk pesticides); and Minnesota Statutes, sections 18B.32, subdivisions 1 and 2; 18B.33, subdivisions 1 to 3; 18B.34, subdivisions 1 and 2; and 18B.36, subdivision 1 (confirmation of the holding of valid licensing or certification for commercial application of pesticides or noncommercial or private application of restricted use pesticides). All areas of the pesticide control law related to product registration, issuance of licenses or permits, or collection of pesticide-related fees or surcharges are retained by the department. Local units of government will not be allowed to ban the use or application of specific pesticide active ingredients or formulations. Ordinances by local units of government that prohibit or regulate any matter relating to the registration, labeling, distribution, sale, handling, use, application, or disposal of pesticides are preempted by Minnesota Statutes, section 18B.02.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 18B.06

History:

20 SR 468

Published Electronically:

March 7, 2014

1505.4020 DEFINITIONS.

Subpart 1.

Scope.

The definitions in this part and in Minnesota Statutes, section 18B.01, apply to parts 1505.4000 to 1505.4130.

Subp. 2.

Commissioner.

"Commissioner" means the commissioner of agriculture.

Subp. 3.

Delegation agreement.

"Delegation agreement" means a written agreement between the commissioner and a local unit of government or joint powers organization formed under Minnesota Statutes, section 471.59, for performance of specific regulatory duties.

Subp. 4.

Department.

"Department" means the Department of Agriculture.

Subp. 5.

Local implementation proposal.

"Local implementation proposal" means a document developed by a local unit of government to be submitted to and evaluated by the commissioner regarding merits of a proposed program for the implementation of the state pesticide control law by the local unit of government.

Subp. 6.

Local implementation program.

"Local implementation program" means the program to be carried out by the local unit of government upon completion and adoption of a delegation agreement.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 18B.06

History:

20 SR 468

Published Electronically:

March 7, 2014

1505.4030 PROCEDURE.

Subpart 1.

Applicability.

A local unit of government that decides to develop a delegation agreement for the implementation of the state pesticide control law must use the procedure provided in this part to facilitate the development of the local implementation proposal, provide for public participation, and promote intergovernmental coordination.

Subp. 2.

Resolution to develop a local implementation proposal.

The governing body, council, or board of a local unit of government that decides to develop a delegation agreement for the purpose of local implementation of the state pesticide control law must adopt a resolution to develop a local implementation proposal.

Subp. 3.

Notice of decision to develop proposal.

Within 30 days after adoption of a resolution to develop a local implementation proposal, the governing body or its agent must:

A.

send a copy of the resolution, as adopted, along with any description or supporting documents to the commissioner; and

B.

publish the resolution, as adopted, along with any description or supporting documents in a minimum of one newspaper of general circulation that serve the geographic area affected. The resolution, description, or supporting documents must include a name, address, and telephone number of a contact person.

The commissioner shall, within 30 days of receipt of a copy of the resolution, provide notification of the local unit of government's resolution to the general public through publication of a notice in the State Register.

Subp. 4.

Public informational meetings.

Within 90 days of adoption of the resolution to develop a local implementation proposal, and before the local unit of government submits its proposal to the department for review, the local unit of government must hold at least one public informational meeting for the purpose of public education and receipt of public input. Notice of the public meeting must be published in at least one newspaper of general circulation in the affected geographic area. Public informational meetings must provide:

A.

a description of the proposed local implementation program;

B.

the current status of the development of the proposal; and

C.

an opportunity for public input or discussion.

Subp. 5.

Meetings with other local units of government.

A local unit of government developing a proposal under this part must conduct a meeting or meetings with all other local units of government who exercise authorities in the geographic area affected. This must be accomplished before submittal of the proposal to the department. The purpose of this meeting or meetings will be to inform and seek input from other local units of government in an effort to gain consensus with those potentially affected by the planned local implementation program.

Subp. 6.

Record of meetings.

A local unit of government shall maintain a record of each meeting held for the purpose of proposal development. The record must include minutes or a transcription and a list of persons in attendance and who they represented. Records of meetings must be supplied to the department with the submittal of the local implementation proposal.

Subp. 7.

Public participation.

Meetings held for the purpose of public participation must be conducted as required by Minnesota Statutes, section 471.705.

Subp. 8.

Initial review.

Within 120 days of adoption of a resolution to develop a local implementation proposal, the governing body of the local unit of government must submit for the department's review its proposal, records of meetings held, and supporting documents. The department must complete its review within 90 days of receipt of the proposal. The primary contact person or other officials of the local unit of government bringing the proposal may be asked to meet with the department during the 90-day review period for the purposes of presentation or clarification of points of the local implementation proposal.

The department must inform the governing body of the local unit of government of its findings in writing.

Subp. 9.

Review criteria.

The department shall review the local implementation proposal based on the criteria in items A to D.

A.

Is the proposed local implementation program consistent with the mandates of Minnesota Statutes, chapters 18B and 18D, and rules and orders of the department?

B.

Do staff identified to carry out the proposed local implementation program have the education, training, and experience required as identified in part 1505.4070?

C.

Has the local unit of government identified a funding source or sources for the proposed local implementation program and is funding adequate to carry out the program as proposed on an ongoing basis?

D.

Does the proposed local implementation program demonstrate consistency with department procedures and policies?

Subp. 10.

Notice of review.

The department shall, within 30 days of receipt of a local implementation proposal, publish the local implementation proposal in the State Register for the purpose of the solicitation of outside opinion. The department may apply information received through this process in the review of the local implementation proposal. Consideration of outside opinion must be based on the same review criteria as the local implementation proposal.

Subp. 11.

Negotiation.

Upon receipt of a positive finding on the part of the department regarding the local implementation proposal, the local unit of government may enter into negotiations toward the development of the final delegation agreement. A final version of the delegation agreement must be completed within 90 days of notification of the department's positive findings. If the delegation agreement is not completed within the specified time period the proposal is nullified and cannot be resubmitted for consideration for one year from the end of the 90-day negotiation period.

Subp. 12.

Completion.

The commissioner's signature of a delegation agreement constitutes final department approval. Upon signing of the delegation agreement by the commissioner, the local unit of government has 60 days to adopt the delegation agreement by resolution of its governing body. If the governing body has not adopted the delegation agreement within the 60-day period, the agreement is nullified. Upon adoption, the delegation agreement must be implemented according to the conditions and schedule stipulated in the delegation agreement.

Subp. 13.

Notice of adoption.

Within 15 days of adoption of the delegation agreement, the local unit of government must notify the commissioner by sending a notarized copy of the adopting resolution. The department shall, within 30 days of receipt of the copy of the adopting resolution, publish the delegation agreement in the State Register as a means of informing the general public. The local unit of government must publish a copy of the adopting resolution and provide notice of locations where the delegation agreement is available for public review.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 18B.06

History:

20 SR 468

Published Electronically:

March 7, 2014

1505.4040 CONTENT OF LOCAL IMPLEMENTATION PROPOSALS.

Subpart 1.

Title sheet.

A local implementation proposal must contain a title sheet that provides the formal title of the proposal, the submittal date, and the title of the governing body submitting the proposal.

Subp. 2.

Table of contents.

A local implementation proposal must contain a table of contents outlining the paragraphs or sections contained within the proposal and the correlating pages on which the paragraphs or sections appear.

Subp. 3.

Map and description of geographic area affected.

A local implementation proposal must contain a map describing the geographic area affected, its location within the state and county, and local geographic setting. The local implementation proposal must also, within the same section, contain a written description, by geographic indicator, of the area affected. The written description must, at a minimum, describe the boundaries of the affected area and may be a legal description.

Subp. 4.

Primary contact.

A local implementation proposal must identify a primary contact for communication with the commissioner, including the contact's name, official title, official address, telephone number, and facsimile number if available.

Subp. 5.

Executive summary.

A local implementation proposal must contain an executive summary briefly describing the substance and salient points of the proposal.

Subp. 6.

Detailed description of proposed program.

A local implementation proposal must present a detailed description of the proposed local implementation program, including implementation measures, a dated schedule, and expected outcomes for the local implementation program on an annual basis. This section must also describe educational and informational efforts, training programs, data collection procedures, data and information management procedures, and coordination efforts with other government units or entities.

Subp. 7.

Administering agency.

A local implementation proposal must describe the agency authorized by the local unit of government to administer the local implementation program. This section must:

A.

name the authorized agency;

B.

provide an official address and telephone number for contact; and

C.

describe the education, training, and experience qualifications of personnel within the authorized agency who will be responsible for the administration of the local implementation program.

Subp. 8.

Administrative procedures.

A local implementation proposal must outline procedures through which the local implementation program will be administered by the authorized agency. Administrative procedures must include, but are not limited to:

A.

financial reporting and auditing;

B.

document management by the local unit of government and transfer to the department; and

C.

program tracking and reporting procedures.

Subp. 9.

Implementation procedures.

A local implementation proposal must outline the procedures to be followed in implementation of the proposed program. Implementation procedures must provide for:

A.

notice of inspection;

B.

documentation of inspections;

C.

stages of effort to gain compliance;

D.

referral of cases of noncompliance or violation to the department; and

E.

demonstration of consistency with department procedures and policies.

Subp. 10.

Financial considerations.

A local implementation proposal must provide information describing the source of funding for the local implementation program. The funding source must be consistent with part 1505.4010, which stipulates that funds may not be collected from pesticide related fees or surcharges. This section must provide an estimate of the annual budget for the local implementation program and a detailed outline of disbursement of those funds in implementation of the program.

Subp. 11.

Draft delegation agreement.

A local implementation proposal must present a draft delegation agreement to be used as the basis for the development of a final delegation agreement for signature by the commissioner.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 18B.06

History:

20 SR 468

Published Electronically:

March 7, 2014

1505.4050 CONTENTS OF DELEGATION AGREEMENT.

The local unit of government shall submit a delegation agreement as described in this part. The delegation agreement must be based on an approved local implementation proposal. The department may produce and provide model delegation agreements to assist local units in the development of specific delegation agreements.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 18B.06

History:

20 SR 468

Published Electronically:

March 7, 2014

1505.4060 COORDINATION.

To ensure that there is no overlap in carrying out implementation of delegated authority, local units must coordinate activities in regard to local implementation. Two or more local units of government who exercise authorities within the same geographic area may not obtain delegation of the same or separate authorities for each of the local units. In cases where such a multiple delegation is requested, the department may require the local units involved to apply as a group formed under a joint powers agreement pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 471.59.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 18B.06

History:

20 SR 468

Published Electronically:

March 7, 2014

1505.4070 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OF INSPECTION PERSONNEL.

Persons who perform the duties of implementation related to field surveillance, inspection, collection of samples, or other activities regarding the collection, preservation, and documentation of evidence are required to meet minimum requirements of education, training, and experience. The minimum requirement is a score of at least 70 percent on an experience and training rating administered by the department. The experience and training rating must have a possible total score of 100 percent. The experience and training rating must be based on the following criteria:

A.

a passing score on the commercial pesticide applicator certification examination or a currently valid license as a commercial pesticide applicator in categories appropriate to the local implementation program; and

B.

a bachelor's degree in agronomy, chemistry, ecology, entomology, horticulture, plant pathology, geology, hydrology, public health, environmental health, soil science, or a similar field of study; or

C.

a master's degree in one of the fields listed in item B; or

D.

experience enforcing or ensuring compliance with laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to pesticides; or

E.

experience providing technical advice in the use, storage, handling, and disposal of pesticides; or

F.

professional research or analytical experience pertaining to properties, use, effectiveness, safety, or regulation of pesticides.

Bonus points will be awarded, if a passing score of 70 percent is achieved, for possession of six or more quarter credits or four or more semester credits in pesticide-related courses.

A resume that details the qualifications of identified inspection personnel of the local unit of government must be submitted for department review when submitting the delegation agreement for the commissioner's signature.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 18B.06

History:

20 SR 468

Published Electronically:

March 7, 2014

1505.4080 ENFORCEMENT.

The commissioner of agriculture has sole responsibility and authority for enforcement of the State Pesticide Control Law pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, chapter 18D. Any compliance issue or alleged violation referred from a locally implemented program to the department for enforcement shall be reviewed, prioritized, and processed according to standards and timelines of the Agronomy Services Division, Enforcement Unit. Local units of government must be apprised of the disposition of a case referred from their respective local implementation program.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 18B.06

History:

20 SR 468

Published Electronically:

March 7, 2014

1505.4090 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.

A local unit of government shall submit a two-part annual report to the commissioner. Part one must provide the planned activities for the local implementation program for the upcoming year. Part two must provide information describing the accomplishments and activities of the local implementation program for the preceding year. Inspection personnel, their resumes and training programs, and all schedules, implementation measures, and outcomes must be identified for the local implementation program for both parts one and two.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 18B.06

History:

20 SR 468

Published Electronically:

March 7, 2014

1505.4100 PERFORMANCE REVIEW AND EVALUATION.

Review and evaluation of the performance on the part of a local unit of government in implementation of the delegation agreement will be carried out by the department. The review and evaluation of the delegation agreement and the local implementation program will be accomplished in the following manner:

A.

verification of the qualifications of staff on an annual basis;

B.

performance of joint inspections with department field staff;

C.

spot check inspections by department field staff; and

D.

verification of ongoing education and training of staff.

A complete on-site program evaluation must be performed between the department and the local unit of government within every third year of the adoption of the delegation agreement.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 18B.06

History:

20 SR 468

Published Electronically:

March 7, 2014

1505.4110 COMPLIANCE.

The commissioner may inspect documents and monitor activities of the local unit of government associated with the local implementation program. The commissioner shall determine compliance of the local unit of government regarding the local implementation program based on the agreement, annual reports, and other records regarding the local implementation program of the local unit of government. The contact person must be notified in the case of noncompliance and procedures that must be undertaken by the local unit of government regarding the noncompliance must be presented in writing. The local unit of government has 90 days from the time of notification regarding noncompliance with the delegation agreement to meet the requirements of the agreement according to the guidance provided by the department.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 18B.06

History:

20 SR 468

Published Electronically:

March 7, 2014

1505.4120 APPEALS.

A delegation agreement receives departmental approval upon signature by the commissioner. This shall be considered a final agency action. Any appeals must be filed with the Minnesota Court of Appeals.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 18B.06

History:

20 SR 468

Published Electronically:

March 7, 2014

1505.4130 TERMINATION.

Subpart 1.

Termination.

Either party to the delegation agreement may dissolve the agreement and void the local implementation program upon 60 days' notification of the other party or parties of the delegation agreement.

Subp. 2.

Notice of termination.

The department must publish notification of termination of a delegation agreement in the State Register within 30 days of termination of the delegation agreement. The local unit of government must publish a notice of termination in one newspaper of general circulation within the affected geographic area within 30 days of termination of the delegation agreement.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 18B.06

History:

20 SR 468

Published Electronically:

March 7, 2014