Agricultural chemical drift - Introduction

Page contents: Using these guidelines | Investigating a spray drift complaint

As various government legislation covers different aspects of 'spray drift' or 'chemical drift', these guidelines have been designed to assist government officers in interpreting the legislative and advisory roles of the various spheres of government in resolving issues arising from chemical drift incidents, including complaints from members of the public.

Using these guidelines

When using these guidelines, try to identify all the issues involved:

• Agricultural?
  
  
• Environmental?
  
  
• Occupational?
  
  
• Public health?
  
  
• Nuisance?
  
  
• Commercial/financial?
  
  
• Some combination of the above?

This identification will be the first step in deciding on the appropriate agency/agencies for referral. In cases of multiple responsibility, it will be helpful for the investigating officers from each agency to keep each other informed of their own position and progress. Wherever possible a 'key' or lead agency should be identified to provide a focal point for managing the issue, with other agencies assisting as appropriate.

Investigating a spray drift complaint

The recommendations for investigating a spray drift complaint and the accompanying Inspection Guidelines are suggested approaches only. Individual agencies may have their own investigation protocols, which will take precedence over these guidelines. All items in the guidelines will not be appropriate in all situations; they are provided for consideration and adoption if relevant to the circumstance.

Much of the information in this document, especially the section on referral of enquiries, can also apply when handling other chemical enquiries and complaints that involve similar issues. Feel free to adapt these guidelines to other situations as appropriate.

Please note:

This document contains technical information and is not specifically designed for use by members of the public.

Members of the public are advised to contact their local council Environmental Health Officer or DNRE Regional Chemical Standards Officer for initial assistance with chemical drift enquiries.

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