|
|
Planning an important part of pesticide decisionsBy Kylene Orebaugh Agricultural inputs are a costly commodity today. Chemicals, pesticides, seed treatments, fuel and many others are expensive as it is, but having to deal with waste of these inputs because of poor planning, neglect or improper storage is something that can easily be prevented. Careful planning According to the Environmental Protection Agency's website, www.epa.gov, reducing waste of pesticides makes for smart financial management on the producers part. However, it also includes not just reducing spills, but not buying more than you need to apply, keeping accurate records and using older products first. The EPA suggests: 1. Buying only what you need. This makes long-term storage and winter storage unnecessary. 2. Recordkeeping allows you to make better purchasing decisions. Keep records of past field application rates and their effectiveness. Also keep information such as the manufacturer's name and address, pesticides types, and handling precautions. Such information can be important if you must respond quickly to an accident. 3. Using older products first keeps your inventory current and effective. Kansas State University Extension Pesticide and IPM Coordinator, Sharon Dobesh, suggests producers plan in advance, especially when it involves a need for certification or permits. "First a producer needs to decide if the products they are going to use or need require a state pesticide applicator certification," Dobesh said. "Any producer can use general use products. However, if the producers wants to use restricted use pesticides (RUPs), at minimum a private applicator certification is required just to purchase RUP products." Kansas pesticide laws require commercial pesticide applicators to keep records of all pesticide applications, and for the customer to receive a Statement of Service. "Private pesticide applicators are required to keep records on restricted use pesticides (RUPs) for two years by federal law per the 1990 farm bill," Dobesh said. "There are no legal requirements for private applicators to keep records of general use pesticides, but it is a good practice for future records/determinations used internally by the producer." A little help Dobesh said applicators should always read the label of the products they plan to use prior to purchase to ensure the proper chemical is being used for their particular problem and site. "Advice for chemicals to be used, proper application, site, and other information can be obtained by contacting your local county extension office, extension specialists, consultants and/or pesticide dealers," she said. "Many pesticide dealers may also be able to help producers with information on container recycling options available for their local area if available." Some states are listed at: http://state.ceris.purdue.edu/. "Applicators need to keep in mind that if there is a problem that results in an investigation of pesticide use, the pesticide label on the product used will first be consulted regardless of the information obtained from other sources," she said. Further information about disposal can be found at www.epa.gov/pesticides/regulating/storage.htm. Storage made easy "Pesticide storage should be a designated area, locked and with secondary containment to prevent spilling, mixing or release of the products being stored into an unintended environment," Dobesh said. "Even if product is stacked on a shelf, secondary containment is advised to keep leaking or burst chemical container's products from mixing with others. Secondary containment can be as simple as a plastic tub which a plastic container of pesticide sits in." A separate pesticide storage unit is probably the best way to store pesticide products. "Usually a designated space that can be locked and temperature controlled (if needed per the labels of products being stored) will do," Dobesh said. "It is also a good idea to store liquid pesticides and fertilizers separate from dry formulations to avoid unintentional mixing of products if packaging is ruptured." Storage of other chemicals and pesticides shouldn't be a problem, as long as no mixing can occur--both intentionally and non-intentionally. "Again, if a product needs to be stored separately from other products or specific products, it will be specified on the storage section of the pesticide labeled," Dobesh said. Dobesh said the effect of temperature and weather extremes on chemicals and pesticides is dependent upon the chemical itself. "Many labels will have statements under directions for use if applications should not be made when too hot or too cold which would prevent the product from being effective or cause off-target movement," she said. "(Freezing) is also specific to the various chemicals. It is usually more of an issue with liquid formulations versus dry formulations." The label will refer the applicator to the proper storage conditions for the product being used, Dobesh said. "When following proper storage guidelines, hopefully producers can avoid such problems," she said. "Results from a liquid chemical being frozen can range from a completely unusable chemical due to consistency or chemical changes to decreased effectiveness to no noticeable effects. Frozen chemicals can also result in burst jugs, chemical mixing, etc." She also reminds producers to keep products properly labeled to prevent mix-ups. "Products should always be stored in the original packaging. Pesticide products should never be stored in alternative food-related containers, such as coffee cans, yogurt containers, pop bottles, and so forth," Dobesh said. Ruined chemicals can go to several places. "In Kansas, pesticide disposal for 'ruined' chemicals is done through the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Bureau of Waste Management," Dobesh said. "Producers will need to contact KDHE with the product name, quantity, and condition of the product for further information and instructions for disposal. There may be additional disposal fees associated with disposing of these chemicals." No matter the crop or the chemicals being used in production, a little planning goes a long way. Kylene Orebaugh can be reached by phone at 620-227-1804 or by e-mail at kscott@hpj.com. =====SIDEBAR==== An ideal facility, according to the EPA contains the following: --Secure storage of pesticides away from fertilizers. --Secondary containment of day to day spills resulting from normal mixing/loading operations. --Secondary containment of large, accidental spills or leaks (separate secondary containment for pesticides and fertilizers) --Facilities for collecting, storing and recycling excess spray solutions and rinsates. --A dry, secure, well managed area for storing empty containers and other waste prior to proper disposal. --Office facilities for effective management and communications. --Orderly, accessible storage for personal protection equipment (PPE) and emergency supplies. --Worker convenience facilities: first-aid and training areas, restrooms, shower(s) and laundry. Some other principles for safe pesticide storage: 1. Provide pallets to keep large drums or bags off the floor. Shelves for smaller containers should have a lip to keep the containers from sliding off easily. Steel shelves are easier to clean than wood if a spill occurs. 2. If you plan to store large bulk tanks, provide a containment area large enough to confine 125 percent of the contents of the largest bulk container. 3. Keep the building locked and clearly labeled as a pesticide storage area. Preventing unauthorized use of pesticides reduces the chance of accidental spills or theft. Labels on the windows and doors of the building give firefighters information about pesticides and other products during an emergency response to a fire or a spill. It is a good idea to keep a separate list of the chemicals and amounts stored. If a fire should occur, consider where the water will go and where it might collect. For example, a curb around the floor can help confine contaminated water. 4. Provide adequate road access for deliveries and use, and in making the storage area secure, also make it accessible, to allow getting pesticides and other chemicals out in a hurry. 5. Never store pesticides inside a well house or a facility containing an abandoned well. 1/21/07 Date: 1/17/08
Copyright/Privacy
Copyright 1995-2012. High Plains Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved. Any republishing of these pages, including electronic reproduction of the editorial archives or classified advertising, is strictly prohibited. If you have questions or comments you can reach us at High Plains Journal 1500 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd., P.O. Box 760, Dodge City, KS 67801 or call 1-800-452-7171. Email: webmaster@hpj.com |
|
