Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan - U.S. Fish and Wildlife ...

Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
• Spray applications would not be conducted on days with >30% forecast for rain within 6 hours,
except for pesticides that are rapidly rain fast (e.g., glyphosate in 1 hour) to minimize/eliminate
potential runoff.
• Where possible, applicators would use drift retardant adjuvants during spray applications,
especially adjacent to sensitive areas.
• Where possible, applicators would use a non-toxic dye to aid in identifying target area treated as
well as potential over spray or drift. A dye can also aid in detecting equipment leaks. If a leak is
discovered, the application would be stopped until repairs can be made to the sprayer.
• For pesticide uses associated with cropland and facilities management, buffers, as appropriate,
would be used to protect sensitive habitats, especially wetlands and other aquatic habitats.
• When drift cannot be sufficiently reduced through altering equipment set up and application
techniques, buffer zones may be identified to protect sensitive areas downwind of applications.
The refuge staff would only apply adjacent to sensitive areas when the wind is blowing the
opposite direction.
• Applicators would utilize scouting for early detection of pests to eliminate unnecessary pesticide
applications.
• The refuge staff would consider timing of application so native plants are protected (e.g.,
senescence) while effectively treating invasive plants.
• Rinsate from cleaning spray equipment after application would be recaptured and reused or
applied to an appropriate pest plant infestation.
• Application equipment (e.g., sprayer, all-terrain vehicle, tractor) would be thoroughly cleaned
and personal protective equipment (PPE) would be removed/disposed of on-site by applicators
after treatments to eliminate the potential spread of pests to un-infested areas.
6.0 Safety
6.1 Personal Protective Equipment
All applicators would wear the specific PPE identified on the pesticide label. The appropriate PPE
will be worn at all times during handling, mixing, and applying. PPE can include the following:
disposable (e.g., Tyvek) or laundered coveralls; gloves (latex, rubber, or nitrile); rubber boots; and/or
an NIOSH-approved respirator. Because exposure to concentrated product is usually greatest during
mixing, extra care should be taken while preparing pesticide solutions. Persons mixing these
solutions can be best protected if they wear long gloves, an apron, footwear, and a face shield.
Coveralls and other protective clothing used during an application would be laundered separately
from other laundry items. Transporting, storing, handling, mixing and disposing of pesticide
containers will be consistent with label requirements, EPA and OSHA requirements, and Service
policy.
If a respirator is necessary for a pesticide use, then the following requirements would be met in
accordance with Service safety policy: a written Respirator Program, fit testing, physical
examination (including pulmonary function and blood work for contaminants), and proper storage of
the respirator.
G-12 Appendix G. Integrated Pest Management