Agrichemicals and Vertebrate Toxic Agents (VTAs) Background Agrichemicals are used by most primary producers and in many domestic or amenity situations for weed, pest and disease control. When used correctly agrichemicals can make a positive contribution to sustainable land use. People can use agrichemicals provided they do not result in adverse effects on other people, the environment or property and are used safely and responsibly in accordance with best practice. The Unitary Plan’s approach to the management of agrichemicals relies on the provisions of the New Zealand Standard for the Management of Agrichemicals (NZS 8409: 2004). Meeting the requirements of this standard will ensure best management approaches to the use, application, storage and disposal of agrichemicals. VTAs are products that are designed to kill or control vertebrate pests such as rabbits and possums. For managing VTAs, best practice is set out in the HSNO requirements. Objective [rp] Human health and the environment are protected from the inappropriate application, handling, transport, storage or disposal of agrichemicals and VTAs. Policies [rp] Avoid significant adverse effects, and minimise other adverse effects, from the use of agrichemicals and VTAs including spray drift, handling, storage, transport or disposal by: managing their application to prevent adverse effects on or near sensitive areas, including: i. dwellings ii. education facilities iii. and papakāinga iv. hospitals and aged care facilities v. amenity and public places sources of potable water including roof water collection non target and flora and fauna sensitive to agrichemicals and VTAs v vii. certified organic farms and farms applying for certification viii. freshwater systems, CMA and SEAs ix. using where practicable, the least toxic and volatile agrichemical or VTA with the most harmless adjuvant (substance used to improve their performance) suitable for the purpose applying agrichemicals and VTAs in accordance with the product’s requirements, including specified rates of application using an application method that minimises spray drift, giving particular attention to the: i. type of spray equipment used ii. spray volume and droplet size iii. direction of spraying iv. height of release above the ground v. weather conditions vi.
Agrichemicals and Vertebrate Toxic Agents (VTAs) Background Agrichemicals are used by most primary producers and in many domestic or amenity situations for weed, pest and disease control. When used correctly agrichemicals can make a positive contribution to sustainable land use. People can use agrichemicals provided they do not result in adverse effects on other people, the environment or property and are used safely and responsibly in accordance with best practice. The Unitary Plan’s approach to the management of agrichemicals relies on the provisions of the New Zealand Standard for the Management of Agrichemicals (NZS 8409: 2004). Meeting the requirements of this standard will ensure best management approaches to the use, application, storage and disposal of agrichemicals. VTAs are products that are designed to kill or control vertebrate pests such as rabbits and possums. For managing VTAs, best practice is set out in the HSNO requirements. Objective [rp] Human health and the environment are protected from the inappropriate application, handling, transport, storage or disposal of agrichemicals and VTAs. Policies [rp] Avoid significant adverse effects, and minimise other adverse effects, from the use of agrichemicals and VTAs including spray drift, handling, storage, transport or disposal by: managing their application to prevent adverse effects on or near sensitive areas, including: i. ii. iii. iv. v. vii. viii. ix. dwellings education facilities and papakāinga hospitals and aged care facilities amenity and public places sources of potable water including roof water collection non target and flora and fauna sensitive to agrichemicals and VTAs v certified organic farms and farms applying for certification freshwater systems, CMA and SEAs using where practicable, the least toxic and volatile agrichemical or VTA with the most harmless adjuvant (substance used to improve their performance) suitable for the purpose applying agrichemicals and VTAs in accordance with the product’s requirements, including specified rates of application using an application method that minimises spray drift, giving particular attention to the: i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi. type of spray equipment used spray volume and droplet size direction of spraying height of release above the ground weather conditions
paupc5naturalresources.docx