ADEM Seeks Comments on Proposed Pesticide Permit Reissue (ALG870000) — Moulton
Moulton residents can weigh in on a statewide environmental decision that could affect water quality downstream of certain pesticide use. The Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) has posted a notice of proposed reissuance for NPDES General Permit ALG870000.
This proposed permit would cover discharges associated with applying biological or chemical pesticides that leave residue to waters of Alabama—including pesticide applications made in or over waters or near water where pesticide contact with water is unavoidable. (This is a proposal, not a final permit decision yet.)
What “proposed reissuance” means for residents
Because ADEM is seeking public comments, the permit terms could still change before ADEM makes a final determination. ADEM says it will consider all written comments (and any public hearing record, if requested) before making its final decision.
Where to review the draft materials
ADEM says copies of the draft permit (along with conditions/limitations and a fact sheet, as applicable) are available for public inspection electronically and also at ADEM’s Montgomery office by appointment during weekday business hours (Monday–Friday, except legal holidays).
How to submit comments (deadline mechanics)
ADEM is accepting written comments for 30 days following the publication date of the notice. The notice is dated July 17, 2026, and ADEM states that all comments must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on the last day of the comment period.
Why this statewide permit can matter in Moulton
The proposed general permit would apply across all waters of the State of Alabama. Even though Moulton is not where the permit would be “issued,” statewide rules can still matter locally through downstream connections—especially for waters that link to larger streams and rivers.
If you apply pesticides as part of property maintenance, landscaping, pest control work, land management, or other activities near water, you’ll want to review the draft requirements for the permit’s covered pesticide use patterns.
What the draft permit covers (and what you can comment on)
The draft language ties coverage to specific pesticide use patterns, including:
- mosquito and other flying insect pest control
- weed and algae control
- nuisance animal control
- forest canopy or other area-wide pest control
A major focus of the draft is what operators must do to manage pesticide-related water impacts. Key items readers may want to scrutinize in the draft include:
- Pesticide Discharge Management Plan (PDMP): A PDMP must be developed, maintained, and implemented for each pesticide use pattern, for operators required to submit a notice of intent (NOI).
- Adverse-incident reporting: The draft permit includes twenty-four (24) hour notification requirements and a thirty (30) day written report for certain reportable adverse incidents.
- Annual reporting: Operators required to submit an NOI must complete an annual report no later than February 15 (covering the previous calendar year).
What happens next
After ADEM reviews written comments (and any public hearing record, if one is requested), the agency will make a final determination. ADEM also states it will develop responses to comments and post them with the final permit decision.
Sources
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