Which agency requires a permit for any aquatic pesticide application to surface waters?

The agency that requires a permit for any aquatic pesticide application to surface waters is the Department of Ecology. This requirement is in place because the Department of Ecology is responsible for managing and protecting water resources, including surface waters, in order to safeguard aquatic ecosystems and human health. Permitting processes help ensure that pesticides are used safely and responsibly to mitigate potential impacts on water quality and the organisms that inhabit these environments.

The permitting process typically involves an evaluation of the potential effects of the pesticide on non-target species, water quality, and the surrounding habitat. This regulation is crucial as some pesticides can have long-lasting effects on ecosystems if not applied correctly.

The other agencies mentioned have different roles. The Department of Agriculture, for example, focuses more on agricultural practices and may regulate pesticide usage in that context but does not specifically handle surface water permits like the Department of Ecology does. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets federal guidelines and regulations regarding pesticide use but does not directly issue permits at the state level. Lastly, the Department of Natural Resources primarily manages land resources and is not the agency that oversees water-based pesticide applications.