Nebraska Statutes 46-1102. Legislative findings
The Legislature finds that the use of chemigation throughout the state is increasing and that, although chemigation provides a viable alternative to other means of chemical application, if an irrigation distribution system is not properly equipped or if a chemical is not used with proper precautions, there exists a potential to contaminate the water.
Terms Used In Nebraska Statutes 46-1102
- Chemical: shall mean any fertilizer, herbicide, or pesticide mixed with the water supply. See Nebraska Statutes 46-1105
- Chemigation: shall mean any process whereby chemicals are applied to land or crops in or with water through an onfarm irrigation distribution system. See Nebraska Statutes 46-1106
- Department: shall mean the Department of Environment and Energy. See Nebraska Statutes 46-1108
- Irrigation distribution system: shall mean any device or combination of devices having a hose, pipe, or other conduit, which connects directly to any source of ground or surface water, through which water or a mixture of water and chemicals is drawn and applied for agricultural or horticultural purposes. See Nebraska Statutes 46-1113
- State: when applied to different states of the United States shall be construed to extend to and include the District of Columbia and the several territories organized by Congress. See Nebraska Statutes 49-801
The Legislature also finds that complete information as to the occurrences and use of chemigation in this state is essential to the development of a sound state water management policy.
For these reasons, the Legislature deems it necessary to provide the natural resources districts and the Department of Environment and Energy with the authority to document, monitor, regulate, and enforce chemigation practices in Nebraska.