EPA promulgated initial Effluent Guidelines and Standards for the Pesticides Chemicals Category in 1978, and revised the regulation in several actions through 2007. The regulation (40 CFR Part 455) provides effluent limitations and standards for four subcategories and test methods for certain pesticides and processes. The Effluent Guidelines and Standards are incorporated into NPDES permits for direct dischargersdirect dischargerA point source that discharges pollutants to waters of the United States, such as streams, lakes, or oceans., and permits or other control mechanisms for indirect dischargersindirect dischargerA facility that discharges pollutants to a publicly owned treatment works (municipal sewage treatment plant). (see Pretreatment Program).

Facilities Covered

1. Organic Pesticide Chemicals Manufacturing
2. Metallo-Organic Pesticide Chemicals Manufacturing
3. Pesticide Chemicals Formulating and Packaging
5. Repackaging of Agricultural Pesticides Performed at Refilling Establishments

• Approved Analytical Methods for Pesticide Active Ingredients

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Federal Register Notices

2007 Rulemaking

• Final Rule (March 12, 2007)
  Moved table of analytical methods (Table 7 of 40 CFR Part 455) to 40 CFR 136.3(a) as new Table I-G

1998 Rulemaking

• Final Rule (July 22, 1998)
  Revised limits for pendimethalin

1996 Rulemaking

• Final Rule (November 6, 1996)
  Revised Subpart C; added Subpart E

• Pesticide Chemicals Effluent Guidelines - Final rule (PDF)(63 pp, 9 MB, September 28, 1993, 58 FR 50638)
  Revised Subparts A, B, and D
• Development Document for Effluent Limitations Guidelines, Pretreatment Standards, and New Source Performance Standards for the Pesticide Chemicals Manufacturing Category (PDF)(398 pp, 32 MB, September 1993, 821-R-93-016)
  Industry description, wastewater characterization, treatment technologies, regulatory compliance cost estimates and pollutant loadings for the final rule
• Pollution Prevention (P2) Guidance Manual for the Pesticide Formulating, Packaging, and Repackaging Industry: Implementing the P2 Alternative (PDF)(290 pp, 4 MB, June 1998, 821-B-98-017)