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Regulations to Reduce VOCs by Controlling Field Fumigant Emissions

Back to Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Emissions from Pesticides

Regulations to reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from fumigant pesticides went into effect January 25, 2008. Products affected are those containing methyl bromide, 1-3 dichloropropene, chloropicrin, metam sodium, potassium N-methyldithiocarbamate (also called metam-potassium), dazomet, and sodium tetrathiocarbonate.

General information

Fumigation methods – The rules reduce the amount of fumigant emitted from each field fumigant application in the five geographic areas by defining specific requirements on how fumigations must be done, prohibiting some high-emission methods and setting limits on others.

  • Fumigation methods allowed under the regulations

Emission targets and allowances – The rules establish benchmarks for total pounds of pesticide emissions from May 1 to October 31 in five geographic areas. This may require restricting fumigant emissions by individual growers if emission reduction targets cannot be met by other means.

Changes in pesticide use reporting – The rules enable DPR to track VOC emissions by requiring reporting of field fumigant application methods in the certain areas.

Licensing – The rules require pest control businesses conducting fumigations to have a supervisor who has a special field fumigation license. This requirement does not go into effect until January 1, 2009.

Technical support documents



For content questions contact:
Randy Segawa
Phone: (916) 324-4137
E-mail: rsegawa@cdpr.ca.gov