New guidance on handling of pesticides and disposal of spray washings is hot off the press from the Environment Agency and the Crop Protection Association. As part of the Voluntary Initiative it will help farmers and sprayer operators improve farmyard practice, comply with the law and protect water.
The jointly-produced booklet clearly spells out what is acceptable practice for the handling and disposal of washings around pesticide handling and mixing areas. It also sets out the latest guidance on the use of Biobeds as an effective way for pesticides to be broken down.
Pesticides can enter water courses in many ways and can cause severe pollution to the environment. Dropping just one foil seal into a drain can contaminate 30km of stream. Research (*River Cherwell Project) suggests that as much as half of all pesticides entering watercourses are from poor practice around the farmyard.
Andy Croxford, Environment Agency Pesticide Policy Manager, said "Anyone who applies pesticides on farms needs to read this guidance. The clear and simple steps to follow should give farmers the reassurance they need. There is no excuse for farmers to fall foul of the Groundwater Regulations and in doing so risk losing part of their Single Farm Payment. The farmyard is potentially a major source of pesticide pollution but with a few small improvements you can protect the environment and at the same time reduce disposal costs."
The best practice given in the guidance includes:
· Mixing and handling pesticides - best done on an impermeable surface where drainage is collected and drained to grass/soil (with Groundwater Authorisation) or via a lined Biobed.
· Left over spray solution - best to avoid any leftovers by accurate calibration and application.
· Disposal of the washings - best to wash down in the treated crop/area provided the maximum application rate for the pesticide product is not exceeded.
Research has shown that lined Biobeds can be an effective way of breaking down pesticides. The Environment Agency supports lined Biobeds where appropriate and where managed and operated correctly.
Use of well constructed and managed lined Biobeds will mean that farmers can avoid the need for groundwater authorisations and associated inspections. However, waste management legislation will apply to Biobeds when controls on agricultural waste are introduced later in 2005.
The advice given in the new booklet will be seen as a light touch approach to regulation from the Environment Agency and is expected to receive a warm welcome from farmers.
Patrick Goldsworthy, VI Manager for the Crop Protection Association said: "There has been a lot of confusion over the years and this guide clarifies complex regulations and explains latest thinking on best practice. It should be required reading for all spray operators and trainers. After years of research by the Crop Protection Association and others, I am really pleased that the Environment Agency has cut through the red tape for lined Biobeds and helped farmers avoid the cost and hassle of groundwater authorisations."
Peter Kendall, NFU Deputy President said: "It's always good to have updated advice on best practice, but we look forward to the exemption of lined Biobeds from the Agricultural Waste Regulations to make the adoption of lined Biobeds a practical reality."
Anyone wishing to get hold of a guidance booklet can call the Environment Agency on 08708 506 506 or visit the website at www.environment-agency.gov.uk
