WSDA seeks feedback on chemigation and fertigation rulemaking
WSDA proposes a rule change that would allow remote monitoring of chemigation and fertigation applications in Washington State. The proposed amendment to chapter 16-202 WAC reflects changes in agricultural practices and will allow farmers to use widely available technology tools to make their work safer and more efficient.
WSDA is seeking feedback from the public on this rulemaking.
Definitions: Chemigation and fertigation
Chemigation and fertigation are terms that describe the application of agricultural chemicals using automated systems that deliver pesticide (chemigation) or fertilizer (fertigation) using irrigation water and infrastructure.These practices are already widely used by Washington farmers.
Proposed rule changes
The changes to this rule would allow chemigation and fertigation systems to be monitored and controlled remotely. At present, the rule requires on-site visual checks and does not allow remote monitoring or control.
Many newer models of chemigation and fertigation equipment already incorporate remote control and monitoring capabilities. However, under the current rule, Washington farmers are not allowed to use them.
This proposed rule change does not require farmers to change the equipment they use. The proposed change also does not affect the amount of agricultural chemicals farmers will apply. Additionally, with this rule change, safety requirements of chemigation and fertigation — including environmental protections — would remain the same. As a result, it is unlikely that the rule change would result in increased exposure to agricultural chemicals for surrounding populations.
How to provide feedback
To provide a comment, please email envjustice@agr.wa.gov. All comments received will be used to inform the agency’s Environmental Justice Assessment for this rule.
If you have questions about the proposed amendment, contact WSDA’s Compliance Case Review Officer Caleb Cole at ccole@agr.wa.gov.
To learn more about chemigation and fertigation in Washington, visit the WSDA website. You can also visit the WSDA rulemaking webpage to learn more about the proposed change.