- (1) The certified applicator is responsible for safe application and for the proper operation of the chemigation equipment.
- (2) Only pesticides properly labeled for chemigation may be used.
- (3) An application system shall be operated in a manner that is consistent with the intent of the pesticide label, state pesticide rules, and this chapter and its provisions.
- (4) Prior to use, substituted alternative technology not otherwise specified in this chapter must be evaluated by the department to determine if the provisions of this chapter have been fulfilled.
- (5) During a chemigation application, an irrigation system and injection system are considered one unit, and the applicator is responsible for their proper operation.
- (6) Only an appropriately licensed certified applicator or a person acting under the direct supervision of a certified applicator may calibrate, load, start up, operate, monitor, or shut down a chemigation system.
- (7) All applicable pesticide laws, in addition to those contained in this chapter, pertain to chemigation.
- (8) A chemigation system cannot draw water from any water supply unless that supply is protected from contamination. The applicator must verify that backflow cannot occur.
- (9) Intentional or unintentional off-site application of pesticides is prohibited.
- (10) The application must be continuously observed whenever sensitive areas are at risk of being exposed to drift, runoff, or overspray.
- (11) Pesticides cannot be applied with an open surface, gravity irrigation system unless allowed by the product label.
- (12) All chemigation systems and system components must allow for visual, physical, and/or manual inspection.
- (13) A chemigation system must be flushed out after an application.
- (14) All components must be chemically compatible with injected materials, water containing injected materials, and system pressure.
- (15) Equipment must be calibrated and maintained in a manner to prevent misapplication or off-site application of any product.
- (16) Safety devices and injection equipment must be installed, operated, and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications, established industry standards, and the rules of this chapter.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 17.21.030, 15.58.040(2), and 15.54.800(2). WSR 25-22-066, s 16-202-200, filed 10/31/25, effective 12/1/25.]