Be safe with sprays

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

Environment Bay of Plenty Pollution Prevention Manager Bruce Gardner said the regional council often received complaints during July and August, as sprays are being used to promote kiwifruit budding.

“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 Gardner said.

“Most orchardists do follow the rules however there are some who fail to, which can cause problems and possibly result in enforcement action.”

Serious spraydrift can involve damage to crops or plants that are not being targeted and health problems like nausea, skin rashes, breathing problems, headaches and the like, 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,” Mr Gardner said.

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 adjoining neighbours have been notified. Sprayers should also 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 on www.envbop.govt.nz under Publications.

ENDS

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