Investigating incidents of agricultural chemical drift

Guidelines for government agencies on areas of responsibility

Government agencies receive many complaints about drift of agricultural chemicals away from the target area. 'Spray drift' can arise from land-based or aerial application of chemicals to control pests and diseases in a variety of situations, including farmland, forests, parks and gardens, water catchments and roadside reserves. Drift can also occur from other chemical applications such as disinfectants used in animal houses (for example, poultry sheds) or fogging/misting formulations used in warehouses (especially food stores).

Guidelines have been developed to assist agencies involved in the resolution of these incidents.

• Introduction

• Chemical drift - An overview

• Referral of chemical enquiries - An overview

• Investigating chemical drift incidents

• Inspection guidelines

• Appendix 1 - Legislation that has impact on spray drift issues

• Appendix 2 - Chemical sampling and analysis

• Appendix 3 - 'Prevention is better than cure'. Minimisation of chemical drift and other contamination

• Appendix 4 - Glossary of acronyms

• Appendix 5 - Contact list of relevant agencies, sections and officers

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