Agricultural chemical drift - Inspection guidelines

A variety of information may be needed to investigate spray drift incidents, particularly if a prosecution is considered. Consider obtaining and recording some or all of the following information, as appropriate for the type of incident:

• Date and time of incident.

• Chemical or chemicals alleged to have been used (including solvents and adjuvants).

• Location of affected areas or people, relative to sprayed areas.

• Symptoms of damage - to humans, animals, plants or the environment. Also check for damage (to weeds, trees, fish and other aquatic life, etc.) between the target area and the affected area.

• Signs of other spraying in the vicinity, for example, along roads, fence lines, around buildings.

• Temperature, and wind direction and speed at time of incident.

• An estimate of the alleged area and extent of effects. Is damage minimal or substantial?

• Sketch (not necessarily to scale) showing:
  • Location of the alleged affected area(s), relative to target area(s).
  • Direction of North and wind direction.
  • Direction of chemical application, etc.

• Eye witnesses to the incident. If possible, record their observations:
  • Time and duration of observations.
  • Location of eye witnesses relative to application.
  • Observed chemical application pattern.
  • Identification of applicator (include the time the applicator was seen).
  • Type and colour of application equipment (including aircraft registration and other markings, if aerial application).
  • Any other significant observations, for example, odour, wind changes, leaking nozzles, foam or human markers, smoke generators, etc.

• Advice and information from:
  • Other officers (in the same or other agencies).
  • Other persons with expert knowledge of the chemical(s) used.
  • Other persons with expert knowledge of the affected party (for example, human, animal, crop, ecosystem).

• Note any contact between the complainant and the chemical applicator.

• Discuss the incident with the chemical applicator.

• Confirm the chemical(s) used and the application rate, if possible. Check whether the chemical and application rate was registered for the purpose. If possible, check the applicator's spray record (preferably signed and certified) to confirm relevant details.

• Ask how and when the spray equipment was last calibrated and confirm if nozzles, etc. are functioning properly. [DNRE RCSOs can order equipment to be repaired if necessary].

• If an aircraft was used, check:
  • The flight direction during spraying.
  • Whether the alleged affected area was overflown.
  • How clearly the spray area was marked.
  • How the pilot was briefed.

• It may be useful to interview local chemical retailers or agents, as they often arrange the spraying and can sometimes recommend unusual chemical combinations.

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