GRAND ISLAND, Nebraska – Central Platte Natural Resources District (CPNRD) is reminding producers that chemigation certification and permit renewals are due by June 1, 2025, for the 2025 growing season.

Under the Nebraska Chemigation Act, anyone in the CPNRD area applying fertilizer or pesticides through an irrigation system must be certified to help protect groundwater and surface water from contamination. Certification involves attending a University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension training session and passing a written exam.  Online training is also available through the UNL Pesticide Safety Education Program at pested.unl.edu. Certifications are valid for four years.

In addition to certification, chemigation permits must be renewed annually with Central Platte NRD. Permits expire on June 1, 2025; the annual renewal fee is $20 per system. Most renewals do not require an inspection, but CPNRD conducts spot checks on operational systems to ensure compliance.

If a producer is applying for a new permit, either for a new system or after the June 1 deadline, the application will be treated as an original permit and must be inspected prior to approval. New and special permits each carry a $60 application fee. Emergency permits, issued when chemigation is urgently needed, are available at a $500 fee. A portion of each fee is submitted to the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE), which administers the Chemigation Act in cooperation with NRDs.

To avoid delays during the irrigation season, producers are encouraged to confirm their certification status and submit all required forms and fees by June 1, 2025.

For questions or assistance with certification and permits in the Central Platte NRD, contact Courtney Olson at (308) 385-6282 or olson [at] cpnrd.org.