Environment Council’s spray drift concerns
THE Central West Environment Council has shared its concerns about the potential risks of spray drift on human and plant life in a recent online presentation about passive chemical pollution.
Presented by Narromine’s Bruce Maynard, the webinar centred on trees dying in the local area and what can be done to reduce the issue.
Mr Maynard explained that dead foliage at the top of trees showed that air pollution was impacting their wellbeing.
He outlined the risk potential for the Lower Macquarie from cotton plantations in the area and the effects of spray drift from farm activities.
“The trees are signals of what is happening,” he explained.
“The effects on the cropping zone are very disappointing. The trees show the evidence of impacts. Any proposition that it’s drought related is totally incorrect.
“The problem is that vegetation across a number of regions has shown that chemicals are spread quite considerably further than their application site. A small amount of chemical particles are moving through our landscape.”
Mr Maynard said the evidence of spray damage is shown by distinct marks on the leaves.
“It’s very clear that cotton areas are in very serious decline when you have had distinct necrotic spots on the leaves. If it is disease, insects or internal pathogens, it will be affecting the whole plant.”
Anything from agapanthus to zucchinis can be affected and Mr Maynard said human health is of paramount concern.
“These sorts of effects are seen out of season and well-observable once you get your eye out. It’s visible on trees, vegetables and garden plants.
“It falls on trees, people, food with repeated exposure and there’s no way of escaping that. You are getting this passively when you didn’t ask for it.”
Mr Maynard urged community members to come forward with any issues and believes food producers are afraid to speak publicly because of the risk to their livelihood.
“Repeated levels of exposure are directly affecting the base of the food chain,” he said.
“How many exposures are we getting from living in these areas? What can we do as a community and industry to protect ourselves?”
According to Mr Maynard, industry body Cotton Australia is aware of the issues and has advocated for major changes in conventional spray operations.
“Cotton Australia admits the chemicals travel in excess of 20km,” he said.
“Their best practice includes the advice to “always check for nearby sensitive areas and crops”.
The Central West Environment Council has contacted the Environment Protection Authority (EPA), Meat and Livestock Authority (MLA), Department of Primary Industries (DPI), various politicians and the Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety to air their concerns.
They want to raise awareness in the community about factors affecting the natural environment.
“I think it’s important that people ask where is cotton in my area and how might I be impacted,” he said.
“Particularly if you’re subject to multiple effects from multiple fields and there are many applications during a season.
“Multiple spraying means multiple exposures.”
Mr Maynard said any public observation of passive chemical pollution should be reported.
“If you do see damage in your area that hasn’t been explored, it’s a requirement (of the EPA) to send staff to do an assessment.”
Call the EPA Pollution hotline on 131 555 if you spot a problem. Visit stoppoisonplanes.com for more information.
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A LOT of information is publicly available on spray drift reduction including mapping and a conditions guide offered with chemical products.
Satacrop is a tool used to mitigate the risk of spray drift by allowing operators to understand where sensitive crops are located in proximity to their spray operation. Satacrop has the ability to map all crop types, including cotton, grains and tree crops.
University research has also been conducted into ways to reduce spray drift and the EPA regulates mismanagement of spray drift under the Pesticides Act 1999, working with communities to reduce spray drift by providing guidance and advice.
One education campaign involved the EPA working with the NSW Farmers Association, Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) and Cotton Australia.