Questions to Consider

Suggested Best Management Practices - BMPs

Have you considered the following practices for pesticide application?

Calibrate application equipment properly -- frequently check and maintain spray nozzles, hoses, gauges and tanks. Proper calibration is the key to applying accurate rates of pesticides. Improper calibration can result in too much or too little product applied, irregular distribution and poor pest control. Inaccurate tank volumes and pressure gauges or worn nozzles also may cause improper application. Inspect application equipment before every use.

Read and follow the pesticide label’s guidance on required buffer zones around water, buildings, wetlands, wildlife habitats and other sensitive areas where applications are prohibited.

Never start an application if wind, temperature or a significant weather event such as rainfall is forecast and might cause drift off-site or soil runoff at the application site. Application just before rainfall or irrigation may result in reduced efficacy if the pesticide is washed off the target crop, resulting in the need to reapply the pesticide.

Know the application site -- scout the area to evaluate the extent of the pest problem in order to select the appropriate control method. Identify environmentally sensitive areas and learn how the soil types and the layout of each application site affect the movement of water, both through and across soil.

YOUR IDEAS FOR YOUR BUSINESS

SEE THE TOOLBOX INTRODUCTION ON WAYS TO START YOUR P2 PLAN. IT’S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION AND POLLUTION FROM HAPPENING AT YOUR BUSINESS. IF A SPILL HAPPENS ANYWAY, YOU MUST BE IMPLEMENTING A POLLUTION PREVENTION PLAN TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR DEQ’S VOLUNTARY REMEDIATION PROGRAM.