NOTICE OF PROPOSED GENERAL PERMIT FOR APPLICATION OF HERBICIDES

The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has developed a general permit to allow application of specific pesticides to control invasive weeds.

DEC requests comments from the public regarding the proposed general permit. A copy of the proposed general permit is available on-line (see attachment below) or upon request.

PROJECT NAME:

General Permit to Apply Pesticides for the Control of Invasive Weeds – 25-GP-WEED

WRITTEN COMMENTS: Comments must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. Alaska Standard Time on January 14, 2025. To ensure that your comments are considered in relation to this application, please include the project name at the beginning of your comment. To be considered, comments must be submitted in writing to DEC at the following address:

Rebecca Colvin
Department of Environmental Conservation Pesticide Program
555 Cordova Street, Anchorage AK 99501
Fax: 907-269-7510
Email: Rebecca.colvin@alaska.gov

PROJECT SUMMARY: DEC has developed a general permit to allow application of specific pesticides by state agencies to control invasive weeds in Alaska, if projects require a permit under 18 AAC 90.500.

Applicants who wish to be covered under the general permit must meet all permit conditions and must obtain a confirmation letter and project tracking number from DEC prior to pesticide application.

Only invasive weed control projects overseen or managed by state agencies, such as Soil and Water Conservation Districts, would be eligible for coverage under the proposed General Permit. Only specific invasive weeds would be treated under the proposed General Permit. This General Permit will allow only the use of specific herbicides, which are all available over the counter and have a significant history of use.

PROJECT NEED: 

Invasive species present a significant risk to the environment. Rapid response before populations can spread to new areas is an essential component of invasive species control.

The use of herbicides is a primary tool in controlling invasive weeds. In many cases hand pulling, digging, mowing, or other non-chemical controls will result in further spread of seeds or root fragments. Delaying treatment would allow the invasive weed infestation to expand, establish a seed bank, and possible migrate to additional areas

DEC has previously authorized invasive weed projects under individual permits or emergency exemption from permit requirements.

FOR SPECIFIC INFORMATION REGARDING THIS PROPOSED GENERAL PERMIT, CONTACT:

Karin Hendrickson
Department of Environmental Conservation
Pesticide Control Program          
1700 E. Bogard Rd. #B103, Wasilla AK 99654
Phone: 907-376-1856
Email:  karin.hendrickson@alaska.gov

ADEC complies with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If you are a person with a disability who may need accommodation in order to participate in this public process, please contact Mike Kruzinski mike.kruzinski@alaska.gov 907-334-0884, Alaska Relay Service/TTY/TDD 800-770-8973, or dial 711 within 10 days prior to closure of this public notice period to ensure that any necessary accommodations can be provided.