Green Industries Best Management Practices manual

The best way to manage pesticide storage and disposalis to reduce the amount of pesticide left over afterapplications through proper planning and equipmentcalibration. Faulty or improperly managed storagefacilities may result in direct runoff or leaching ofpesticides into surface water and ground water. Usersmay be held liable for damage caused by improperlystored or disposed pesticides.Pesticide spills can be especially problematic. Evenpesticides designed for rapid breakdown in the environmentcan persist for years if present in high concentrations.The results can be the contamination of drinkingwater, fish kills and other impacts to nontargeted organisms,and administrative fines and legal remedies. It isimportant that pesticide users protect themselves fromall of these hazards.The most obvious method to reduce the risk from pesticidesis to use them only when necessary. Determinewhich pesticides are the most useful and least environmentallyharmful for a given situation. Apply themGENERAL PESTICIDE BMPSThe following general BMPs should always be used forpesticides:• Develop – and implement a quality IPM program.• Labels – Observe all directions, restrictions, and precautionson pesticide labels. It is dangerous, wasteful,and illegal to do otherwise.• Storage – Store pesticides behind locked doors inoriginal containers with label intact, separate fromseed and fertilizer.• Rate – Use pesticides at the correct application rateand recommended intervals between applications toavoid injury to plants and animals.• Handling – Never eat, drink, or smoke when handlingpesticides, and always wash with soap andwater after use.• Rinsing – Triple-rinse containers into the spray tank.Never pour pesticides down a drain or into an areaexposed to humans, animals, or water.• Disposal – Dispose of used containers in compliancewith label directions so that water contamination andother hazards will not result.• Clothing – Always wear protective clothing whenapplying pesticides. At a minimum, wear a longsleevedshirt, long-legged pants, rubber gloves, boots(never go barefoot or wear sandals), eye protection,and a wide-brimmed hat. Additional protective gearmay be listed on the pesticide label.properly and effectively to minimize costs and theeffects on public health and the environment while maximizingplant response. Give particular attention to thevulnerability of the site to ground water or surface watercontamination from leaching or runoff.A pest-control strategy should be used only when the pestis causing or is expected to cause more damage than whatcan be reasonably and economically tolerated. A controlstrategy should be implemented that reduces the pestnumbers to an acceptable level while minimizing harm tonontargeted organisms. The strategy of IPM is as follows• Prevention—keeping a pest from becoming a problem,and then, if needed,• Suppression—reducing pest numbers or damage to anacceptable level.Always follow the directions on the label. These directionshave been developed after extensive research andfield studies on the chemistry, biological effects, andenvironmental fate of the pesticide. The label is the singlemost important document in the use of a pesticide.State and federal pesticide laws require following labeldirections!PESTICIDE SELECTIONIdentifying or recognizing pests is essential to properpesticide application and selection. Once the pest hasbeen identified, the best control method must be chosen.If a pesticide is to be used, the applicator must know theproper application technique and read the label thoroughly.Pesticides should be evaluated on effectivenessagainst the pest, mode of action, life stage of the pest,personnel hazards, non-target effects, leaching or runoffpotential, and cost.PESTICIDE SELECTION BMPS• Develop and implement a quality IPM program.• Train employees in proper pest identification and pesticideselection techniques.• Choose the product most appropriate for the problemor pest.• Mix only the quantity of pesticide needed in order toavoid disposal problems, protect non-targeted organisms,and save money.• Spot treat pests whenever appropriate.• Read and follow all label directions. The label is alegal document.• Make note of any ground water advisories on thelabel.Department of Environmental Protection – Revised DECEMBER 200843