What is the MDA doing to prevent atrazine pollution in Minnesota?
Historically, atrazine has been frequently detected in Minnesota waters, leading to its designation as a groundwater “common detection” chemical under Minn. Stat. chapter 103H and a pesticide of concern for surface waters. As a result, atrazine receives heightened scrutiny in the form of monitoring, enforcement and applicator education programs. Atrazine is a Restricted Use Pesticide (RUP) and as such farmers need a special certification to purchase and apply it. Farmers can become recertified through ongoing education or testing by the University of Minnesota Extension Service. Dozens of workshops are conducted annually around the state to recertify applicators. Pesticide dealers selling atrazine must verify that applicators are properly licensed or certified at the time of pesticide delivery. Current efforts to control atrazine leaching and runoff focus on implementation of existing prevention and mitigation measures. These measures include federal label restrictions, state label enf
