Agricultural chemical drift - Appendix 3 - 'Prevention is better than cure' Minimisation of chemical drift and other contamination

Page contents: Spray drift minimsation | Disposal of chemical containers

Spray drift minimisation

A primary aim of applicators of agricultural chemicals should be to minimise the possibility of spray drift as far as possible, and to apply the chemicals in the most efficient and effective manner. Both these aims are met when applicators use principles of 'good agricultural practice' to maximise the amount of chemical reaching the target (intended site of application) and to minimise the amount of chemical being wasted on 'non-target' sites.

These principles include taking consideration of the:

• Weather (wind speed and direction, temperature, humidity, inversion conditions, predicted rainfall, etc).
  
  
• Season (for example, the susceptibility to treatment of the pest (insect, weed, etc.) at various life stages, and the ability of the host (valuable plants, stock, etc.) to resist any effects of the chemical).
  
  
• Location of the proposed operation with reference to sensitive surrounding areas (houses, schools, watercourses, sensitive crops, etc.).
  
  
• Characteristics of the proposed chemical treatment (formulation, toxicity, volatility, etc.).
  
  
• Type of application equipment (ensuring it is appropriate for the local conditions, and it is in good repair).
  
  
• Droplet size.

A fuller discussion of these principles can be found in the booklet Victorian Code of Practice for Farm Chemical Spray Application. See also the pamphlet Using Vegetative Buffers to Reduce Spray Drift. To obtain copies of these publications, contact the DNRE Chemical Standards Branch or a Regional Chemical Standards Officer.

Disposal of chemical containers

Apart from off-target drift, chemical contamination of the environment can arise from inappropriate storage or disposal of chemical containers.

Information and advice about management and disposal of farm chemical containers can be obtained from ANZECC (Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council) and AVCARE (National Association for Crop Protection and Animal Health).

For copies of the ANZECC Pesticide Waste Management Plans, contact:

ANZECC Waste Management Secretariat

40 Blackall Street
Barton ACT 2600
Tel: (61 2) 6274 1475

FREECALL: 1800 657 945

Fax: (61 2) 6274 1230
Email: ocp@destruct.gov.au

For copies of the Avcare Container Management Strategy, contact:

Avcare

Locked Bag 916
North Sydney NSW 2059

Tel: (61 2) 9922 2199
Fax: (61 2) 9954 0588
Email: avcare@ozemail.com.au

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