Beneficial Management Practices: Environmental Manual for Alberta Farmsteads - Chapter 4 Pesticide Storage, Handling and Application

Pesticides provide producers with effective means to control weeds and pests such as insects and rodents, as well as bacteria, fungi, parasites and pathogens. If not managed properly, pesticides can pose serious environmental and health safety risks. Understanding potential hazards associated with pesticides and properly storing, handling and applying them can minimize or even eliminate any potential risks that may exist on your farm.

Pesticide Storage

The best way to eliminate any environmental risk associated with pesticide storage is to avoid storing pesticides on the farmstead. If you cannot use the pesticide within a reasonable time, then make arrangements with your supplier for storage, or minimize the volumes you have by sharing the extra pesticide with your neighbours. When storing or transporting pesticides, the best practice is to keep the pesticide in the original container with all labelling clearly visible. Always ensure the container is transported with secondary containment to catch any spills or leaks.

If you must store pesticides, do so with the following guidelines in mind:

• Store minimal amounts of product. Storage time should not exceed the growing season.
• Use secondary containment made of an impermeable material to contain possible leaks. For example, store chemical jugs in tubs or trays on storage shelves.
• All original containers must retain manufacturers’ labels, and any secondary containers must also be properly labelled, detailing the contents and date.
• Consult the pesticide label for specific storage instructions.
• Do not store with or near food, feed, seed, drinking water, protective equipment or emergency response equipment.
• Store and handle pesticides at a distance greater than 30 m (98 ft) from a water body and 90 m (295 ft) from a water well.
• Return unopened or non-compromised product to the dealer for a refund.
• If a product container is leaking, overpack the container by packing it in a larger container with leak collection material (such as kitty litter) until it can be properly transferred to a good container.
• Dispose of opened leftover product as a hazardous waste. For more information, refer to Chapter 8.

• Is secure with signs posted indicating the storage contents.
• Is constructed to minimize or eliminate potential soil and water contamination by having curbs and an impermeable floor to contain spills and leaks.
• Does not have a floor drain, unless there is a proper holding tank for drainage collection. If there is a tank, it should be monitored regularly, and the fluid disposed of in accordance with hazardous waste regulations.

• Identify the problem and determine if the use of a pesticide is the only option or if there are other mechanical or biological means of control.
• If the use of a pesticide is the only option, choose the least toxic, most appropriate chemical for your situation.
• Read and follow product label directions as outlined by the manufacturer for:
  • proper mixing procedures
  • recommended application methods, rates and timing
  • application restrictions for weather conditions
  • use restrictions for cropping, grazing or harvesting
  • special safety precautions and equipment
  • proper disposal procedures for leftover product
• Record chemical type, rates and methods used as well as weather conditions, growth stages of crop and pests and application purpose for future reference.

• Never leave filling procedures unattended (someone over the age of 16 must be present at all times).
• Have spill containment and cleanup equipment ready, such as an absorbant material like kitty litter.
• Have a cell phone or two way-radio available (if possible) for emergencies.
• Prevent backflow from the sprayer to the water source:
  • Never place a hose into the sprayer tank or container below the water line.
  • Install backflow preventer devices on all water lines leading to the storage area and pad.
  • Fit spray equipment with an operational backflow preventer.

• Inspect and perform regular maintenance checks on all equipment.
• Calibrate application equipment.
• Clean and rinse all parts of the application equipment thoroughly with water or other solution as advised by the product label.
• Designate sites to clean, flush and rinse the equipment.
• Dispose of the rinsate according to product label directions:
  • If possible, apply rinsate directly to treatment area.
  • If you cannot apply it on the treatment area, then:
    • Apply it on land away from surface water, water wells, septic systems, gardens, shelterbelts and other environmentally sensitive areas.
    • Use it as mix water for later applications when the same chemical is being applied.
    • Apply it on areas requiring pesticide control.

• Crop Protection – the Bluebook - Agdex 606-1
• How Herbicides Work: Biology to Application - Agdex 606-2
• Protect Groundwater Quality – Minimize the Risks - Agdex 576-5

• Impacts of Farm Inputs (video loan)

• Focus on Pesticides
• Guidelines for Mobile Pesticide Storage Facilities
• Pesticide Container Collection Program
• Pesticide Regulation Factsheets
• Pesticide Services
• Pesticide Storage: Regulatory Requirements and Guidelines
• Pesticide Waste Disposal for Commercial Pesticide Applicators, Services and Vendors
• Prevention of Water Contamination by Pesticides

• Dangerous Goods and the Agricultural Industry

• Environmental Code of Practice for Pesticides

• Regulation of Pesticides in Canada

• Pesticide Safety Handbook

Other Documents in the Series