JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2015
Almond Facts 29
products and remained there through 2012. However, the
trigger was tripped in 2013, which affects grower operations in
2015 and 2016.
High- versus Low-VOC
In reviewing non-fumigant regulations that became effective in
2013, Runyon noted that certain agricultural chemical products
are designated as "high-VOC" or "low-VOC" depending
on their emission potential. Pesticide dealers are required to
provide product and usage information to purchasers of high-
VOC products used in the San Joaquin Valley and growers are
required to obtain a pest control adviser's recommendation for
some applications.
If the 'trigger' level is exceeded in the San Joaquin Valley,
prohibitions will be enacted on several uses of high-VOC non-
fumigant products, Runyon stated. He added that low-VOC
products are feasible for most uses and that switching to low-
VOC products achieves DPR target reductions.
Included Products
Runyon explained that VOC regulations include products
containing abamectin, chlorpyrifos, gibberellins or oxyfuorfen
as the primary active ingredient and that are labeled for
agricultural uses. All other products are excluded from VOC
regulations, he said, adding that DPR publishes a list of specifc
low-VOC and high-VOC products in an annual emission
inventory report that is posted to their website.
From May through October 2014, growers were required
to obtain a PCA recommendation if a high-VOC product
containing abamectin, chlorpyrifos, gibberellins or oxyfuorfen
was used and it was applied in the San Joaquin Valley during
that period to alfalfa, almonds, citrus, cotton, grapes, pistachio
or walnuts. Those crops account for more than 90 percent
of emissions from the four compounds of concern, Runyon
said. "Switching to low-VOC products achieves VOC target
emissions," Runyon observed. He added that the restrictions did
not, however, prohibit use of the products.
2015 Prohibitions
As noted above, Runyon reported that the VOC 'trigger' was
tripped in 2013 bringing prohibitions on high-VOC use for
2015 and 2016. When emissions exceed the trigger level, high-
VOC use is prohibited for abamectin, chlorpyrifos, gibberellins
and oxyfuorfen products in the San Joaquin Valley during May
1 through October 31 for application to alfalfa, almond, citrus,
cotton, grape, pistachio and walnut. "All other requirements
will remain in effect," he said, "but low-VOC products are not
prohibited. Although, as we know, low-VOC products are not
always feasible."
A few exceptions apply when high-VOC prohibitions are in
effect. With PCA recommendations, high-VOC products can
be used for specifed applications. Check with your PCA or Ag
Commissioner for details. For compliance assistance, refer to
the DPR website (www.cdpr.ca.gov), click on "Air" under Quick
Links, then click on “Volatile Organic Compound Emissions."
There are Fact Sheets for dealers, growers and PCAs, and lists
of high-VOC and low-VOC products, plus a VOC calculator
for calculating VOC emissions from agricultural applications of
non-fumigant pesticides.
Continued on next page »
Sean Runyon