The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy’s (NDEE) Chemigation Program works to ensure that those using irrigation systems to apply fertilizers and pesticides do not contaminate sources of irrigation water.

The Chemigation Program works with local Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) and Nebraska Extension to ensure chemigation applicators and irrigation systems are in compliance with Title 195 – Chemigation Regulations.

The NRDs inspect irrigation systems that are used for chemigation to ensure they have functioning safety equipment and issue site permits. Permits are issued annually by NRDs and reported to NDEE. In 2023, 29,576 permits were issued by NRDs.

NDEE certifies chemigation applicators, and applicators must renew their certification every four years. This recertification includes training and testing, which is provided under contract with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Training dates are available, with both in-person and online training and testing options. In May 2024, there were a total of 5,116 certified chemigation applicators in Nebraska.

With this collaborative work with the NRDs, the University and ag producers, NDEE can continue to protect groundwater and surface water.