Tell neighbours before spraying

Bay of Plenty orchardists must always be sure to tell their neighbours before they spray, warns Environment Bay of Plenty.

Last year the council received a number of spraydrift-related complaints from residents who had not been informed of a neighbour's intention to spray. "They were very irate and with good reason. It's the golden rule of spraying to let your neighbours know well in advance," says compliance officer John Morris.

Mr Morris says spraydrift is an ongoing issue in the region, especially around this time of year when kiwifruit is being sprayed to enhance budding. "We need to make sure all agrichemicals are used correctly and in an environmentally safe manner," he says.

Under the Resource Management Act, Environment Bay of Plenty is responsible for the control of spraying in the region. The Bay of Plenty Regional Air Plan sets out what operators can and cannot do. Sprayers must also comply with the GROWSAFE Agrichemical Users Code of Practice. A booklet titled Application of Agrichemicals, available from Environment Bay of Plenty offices, is a handy guide for spray applicators

Mr Morris says that, as a general rule, orchardists using motorised or aerial applications must give all adjoining properties at least 12 hours notice of spraying. That regulation applies for spraying within 50m of the adjoining boundary with a vehicle or within 200m from an airplane or helicopter. However, neighbours do not need to be informed if spraying with a backpack spray kit.

© Scoop Media