Minnesota Water Resources Conference - Water Resources Center ...

BOOK OF ABSTRACTS
Tuesday, October 28
Poster Session 4:45–5:45
Responding to Acetochlor in Minnesota’s Waters
Joe Zachmann, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, joesph.zachmann@state.mn.us; Gregg Regimbal, Minnesota
Department of Agriculturel Ron Struss, Minnesota Department of Agriculture
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) monitors and responds to pesticide impacts to Minnesota’s
groundwater and surface water resources. Acetochlor is a commonly used corn herbicide which is frequently
detected in some Minnesota streams and rivers as a result of normal agricultural use. Elevated levels of
acetochlor in some surface waters pose a risk for potential impairment.
This presentation will highlight activities by the MDA and others to address acetochlor being found at
concentrations of concern in Minnesota surface waters. The frequency and concentrations at which acetochlor
has been detected led to the development of acetochlor voluntary best management practices (BMPs). A
history of the key efforts will be discussed including: Authority and guidance for protecting water resources;
BMP development, education, outreach, and evaluations; demonstrations and research; pesticide use surveys;
water quality monitoring; pesticide modeling work; pesticide enforcement activities.
Presentation results will provide an update of efforts, lessons learned and emerging issues for future focus.
57 Minnesota Water Resources Conference, October 27–28, 2008