Em4885 irrigation management practices to protect ground water

can be mixed with. It will state if the chemical can be used in a chemigation system.
Importantly it lists precautions for worker and applicator safety. It is illegal to use a
chemical in a manner that violates label requirements. The label may also contain
information regarding the chemical’s potential as a contaminant.
IP 4.01.06 - Transport and Store Chemicals Properly
Objective
Prevent chemical spills during transport or storage.
85
CHAPTER 4
Description
Even small spills of concentrated pesticides can be a substantial threat to surface and
ground water. Proper transportation of chemicals involves appropriate loading, stacking,
and restraint, inspection for punctured or leaking containers, and carrying spill cleanup
materials in case of an accident. Note that the transporting vehicle must be labeled
properly and proper authorities notified for transport of extremely dangerous materials.
Chemicals should be stored so that there is no possibility of spills or loss due to weather,
theft, or unauthorized access. WSU Cooperative Extension bulletin EB1644, Protecting
Ground Water from Pesticide Contamination, (published November 1991) includes the
following precautions:
1. Provide for secure storage, out of reach of children, livestock, pets, and
irresponsible people.
2. Category 1 poisons should be in a locked and posted enclosure.
3. Storage should be at least 100 feet from water sources or wells, preferably
down slope from them.
4. Storage facilities should be cool, well-ventilated, and fire resistant.
5. Storage facilities should have a concrete floor and concrete curbing around them.
The floor should slope to a leak-proof sump for easy cleanup in case of a spill.
6. Mixing/loading/rinsing facilities should be nearby if feasible.
7. Equip the facility with cleanup materials.
8. Inventory and monitor chemicals periodically to discover spills and cleanup.