MEDIA RELEASE

Be safe with sprays

For immediate release: Friday 27 July 2007

Orchardists and contract sprayers are being reminded to follow the rules and use their common sense when spraying this season.

Environment Bay of Plenty principal compliance officer Steve Pickles says the regional council often gets complaints at this time of year, as sprays are being used to promote kiwifruit budding.

“Most orchardists are careful and do follow the rules, such as telling their neighbours when they’re going to be spraying. However there are some who fail to, which can cause problems and possibly result in enforcement action.

“It’s incredibly important that if people are spraying they follow all necessary regulations, but perhaps most important is that they use their common sense. If it’s windy and the spray is likely to drift, then it’s not a good time to spray.”

Mr Pickles says he’s very aware of the problems spraydrift can cause.

“I’ve been victim to skin irritation from exposure to spray and it’s not a pleasant experience. The symptoms of serious spraydrift can involve damage to crops or plants that are not being targeted, and health problems like nausea and nervous system breakdowns, depending on the type of chemical used and its concentration.”

Environment Bay of Plenty is responsible under the Resource Management Act for the control of spraying “so we need to make sure all agrichemicals are used correctly in an environmentally safe manner”. Other legislation requires people spraying certain agrichemicals to be “approved handlers”. For this, they must complete a training course, such as Growsafe.

Sprays should only be applied when there is a light breeze blowing away from sensitive areas and only after the neighbours have been notified. Sprayers must follow the recommendations set out in the New Zealand Standard for Application of Agrichemicals.

A comprehensive booklet called “A guide to applying agrichemicals – responsibilities of applicators” can help sprayers make sure they are following correct and safe practices. The booklet, produced by Environment Bay of Plenty, lists factors to consider when spraying and details the responsibilities of applicators under the Bay of Plenty Regional Air Plan.

The booklet is available from regional council offices or by calling 0800 ENV BOP (368 267). It is also posted on www.envbop.govt.nz under Publications.

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