Chemigation Applicator Permits

    Training for Initial and Recertifying Chemigators- the online training program covers all of the information presented at the in-person training events and uses the same test. It consists of a series of modules which contain text, video clips and calculators to provide chemigators with the necessary information to employ chemigation in an effective, efficient and environmentally safe manner while safeguarding farm workers involved in chemigation.

    A chemigation applicator certification card will be issued to successful applicants by the NDEE. The certification expires on January 1, 4 years after it is issued. For example, certifications issued in 2011 will expire on January 1, 2015.

    The 2024 in-person trainings have ended.

    Online training will be available for $80 and is set up to be completed at the applicators own pace. In person training will be $95.

    Chemigators who are either seeking certification for the first time or renewing their existing certification can do so online. Click link below to enroll in the training. 

    Chemigation Applicator Permit

    Chemigation

    Chemigation is the practice of applying fertilizer, additives or agricultural chemicals to crops through an irrigation system. If the correct precautions are not taken, chemicals can flow back through the irrigation system and into the well, polluting the ground water or other water source.

    In the mid-1980’s the Nebraska Legislature passed the Chemigation Act to protect our ground and surface water from possible contamination. The operator of a chemigation system is required to obtain a permit before chemigating. Permit holders are primarily liable for any damage resulting from chemigation and for maintenance expenses on their chemigation equipment.

    Certification Requirements

    Chemigation training is offered at face-to-face events and online. Either option can be utilized, regardless of whether you are seeking certification for the first time or renewing your certification. Both training formats include an exam that you must pass to become certified (or recertified). Dates, locations and registration information for 2024 face-to-face chemigation training sessions are listed online. Please note that additional training sessions may be added to this list as time goes forward.

    Inspections

    Under provisions of the Nebraska Chemigation Act, Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) are responsible for inspecting each irrigation system through which any agricultural chemical will be applied to ensure that mandatory safety devices are installed and functioning. All operating permits are subject to periodic random inspections to ensure continued compliance. Any new system must be inspected before chemigation can begin.

    Chemigation Permit Fees

    New Permits: $75 per injection site

    Renewal Permits: $25 per injection site

    Emergency Permits: $500 per injection site

    All permits are good for one year, expiring on June 1. New permits approved at any time during the calendar year expire on June 1 of the following year.

    As a courtesy to operators, renewal applications are mailed out from the UNWNRD office. However, it is the responsibility of each operator to contact the UNWNRD if he/she does not receive the necessary permits, to complete the required information and to return renewal permits by the deadline. Any permit not renewed by June 1 is subject to cancellation – the operator must then pay the new permit fee and have the system inspected to be eligible to chemigate again.

    Penalties

    Violators of the Chemigation Program will be submitted to county attorneys. Penalties consist of Class I, II, III or IV misdemeanors or a civil fine.