High VOC Restrictions to Continue in SJV Through 2017

The Department of Pesticide Regulations released their Annual Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) Emissions Inventory Report. Pursuant to the State Implementation Plan goals the San Joaquin Valley, one of five ozone nonattainment areas (NAAs) in California, was to have VOC emissions no greater that 18.1 tons/day. This is the equivalent to a 12 percent reduction from 1990. In 2013 the San Joaquin Valley NAA exceeded this benchmark triggering additional restrictions on non-fumigant pesticides identified as high-VOC. While emissions went down in 2015, the regulations require that the high-VOC restrictions remain in effect from May-October 2017. However, the exemption for use on high-VOC Chlorpyrifos (Lorsban) for use on late season aphid remains in effect.