WAC 16-202-2003   What are the general requirements in performing a fertigation operation?  The applicator and fertigation system must comply with the following performance requirements to protect human health, source water, and the environment. The fertigation operator is responsible for safe application and for the proper operation of the fertigation equipment.

     (1) A fertigation system must be designed, constructed, installed, operated, and maintained in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

     (2) Substituted alternative technology not otherwise identified in this chapter must be evaluated by the department to determine if the provisions of this chapter have been fulfilled.

     (3) All commercial fertilizers used for fertigation must meet Washington state fertilizer standards. This does not prohibit fertigation systems from being used to apply other products such as reclaimed water, animal effluent, or similar substances provided that the appropriate antipollution devices are present and the provisions of this law are met.

     (4) During a fertigation application, an irrigation system and injection system are considered one unit, and the applicator is responsible for their proper operation.

     (5) All applicable fertilizer laws, in addition to those contained in this chapter, pertain to fertigation.

     (6) A fertigation system cannot draw water from any water supply unless that supply is protected from contamination. The fertigation operator must verify that backflow cannot occur.

     (7) The application must be continuously monitored whenever sensitive areas are at risk of being exposed to drift, runoff, or overspray.

     (8) All fertigation systems and system components must allow for adequate visual, physical, and manual inspection.

     (9) A fertigation system must be flushed out and rinsed off after an application.

     (10) All components must be chemically compatible with injected materials, water containing injected materials, and system pressure.

     (11) Equipment must be calibrated and maintained in a manner to prevent misapplication or offsite application of any product.

     (12) Safety devices and injection equipment must be installed, operated, and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications, established industry standards, and department rule.



[Statutory Authority: Chapters 15.54, 15.58, 17.21, and 34.05 RCW. 01-23-018, § 16-202-2003, filed 11/9/01, effective 11/9/01.]