The PCP began a series of pesticide use surveys in 1985. These surveys have addressed various uses of pesticide use including agriculture, golf course, lawn care and mosquito control. The information collected from these use surveys is used as a building block by agencies within the NJDEP for development and implementation of programs including ground water protection, farm worker protection and education, and sampling for residuals. The survey data obtained is also entered into state and federal geographical information systems for mapping purposes. Use data are also compared to one another for the purpose of assessing what chemicals are being used to a greater extent and to a lesser extent, what crops are receiving heavier or lighter pesticide applications, counties and municipalities showing increased or decreased use through the years, etc.

All statewide pesticide use surveys are performed under the authority of the NJ Pesticide Control Code, N.J.A.C. 7:30-1 et. seq., requiring applicators to maintain pesticide records for two years and to submit use records to the state when requested. This regulative authority provides an accuracy and level of response that is difficult to duplicate in a voluntary, nationwide survey. These pesticide use surveys almost represent a pesticide usage census rather than a probabilistic survey.

If you have any questions about the surveys you can call Curt Brown at (609) 530-4090.

Below is a list of survey reports available. Click on a topic for viewing/downloading purposes.

Below is a list of maps illustrating the distribution of pesticide use from the above surveys by watershed or county.
Click on a map for viewing/downloading purposes.