The installation of irrigation systems by unlicensed people and the application of chemicals by unauthorized people is a growing problem across the state, and to be candid, there are not enough people to enforce the laws and regulation our industry faces.
We had a great win last legislative session in 2011. TNLA took the lead on the passage of HB 2507, which gives municipalities the ability to enforce regulations regarding installation of irrigation systems by unauthorized people. We, as well as the Texas Turf Irrigation Association (TTIA), have been pushing municipalities to enforce this provision. The state has overall jurisdiction because they maintain the Irrigator License; we wanted more tools out there to stop these bad business practices because the state lacks the personnel to enforce. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) allows you could file a complaint online . They said the more information you have to give, the more likely they will be able to enforce.
In regard to unlicensed chemical applicators, the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) said you could call them directly in Austin at 512.463.7717 to report the problem. They will dispatch a field agent to inspect in a rapid manner.
These are the tools that we have at our disposal. Please consider contacting the cities you service and ask them to enforce these laws and regulations.