If you do not have or are not going to construct a mixing and loading pad, here are a few suggestions on better management of your mixing and loading site.
- Avoid mixing and loading pesticides near your well. One way to do
this is to use a nurse tank to transport water to the mixing and loading
site.
- Avoid mixing and loading on gravel driveways or other surfaces that
allow spills to sink quickly through the soil. A clay surface is better
than a sand surface.
- Install a back-siphon prevention device on the well or hydrants.
Never put the hose in the sprayer tank. Provide an air gap between the
hose and the top of the sprayer tank.
- Always supervise sprayer filling. For restricted-use pesticides, a
trained and certified applicator must supervise operations.
- Use rinse water for mixing subsequent loads of the same fertilizer.
Spray the last rinse load on the field.
- Report spills of any amount to streams or lakes. On soil or a pad,
report concentrated spills greater than one quart and dilute solutions
greater than five gallons. Report spills of smaller quantities if they
may cause damage to surface or ground water because of the specific
compound or spill location. Remove the spilled material and
contaminated soil no matter what the quantity, and dispose of them
according to recommendations you receive when you report the spill.
- Have an emergency response plan for the site. Know where the runoff
water will go, how to handle your particular pesticides, and who to
call for help.
