Herbicide Use Near Water to Control INNS This presentation needs to be seen in presentation mode, as the slide animation develops the viewers/participants knowledge through each learning point. Darrell Crothers SEPA

The process pre-2018 New process What rules must be complied with?

Applying herbicide near water Plant Protection Products Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 Users must consult the appropriate water regulatory body (Environment Agency/Scottish Environment Protection Agency) before using the product near water and must obtain their agreement before using this product to control aquatic weeds.

Pre-2018 All applications of herbicide in or near water required consultation with SEPA Approx. 200 applications per year Option for online or paper application 80-90% of these were for controlling INNS on riverbanks

From 1 January 2018 In Scotland, use of pesticide within 1m of water (top of bank) is controlled under the Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 3 tiers of regulation General Binding Rules Registration Licence CAR Practical Guide

INNS

General Binding Rules INNS near water (1) Specifically approved for aquatic use by the Chemicals Regulation Division (CRD) Pesticides Register of UK Authorised Products https://secure.pesticides.gov.uk/pestreg/ Aquatic use permitted ‘land immediately adjacent to aquatic areas’

CRD Pesticide Register

General Binding Rules INNS near water (2) Sole purpose of controlling an invasive No pesticide must enter the surface water Not sprayed on an impermeable surface draining directly to a surface water drainage system unless measures taken to minimise risk. 50 metres of a spring or uncapped well/borehole that supplies water for human consumption. Application method must minimise damage to non-target vegetation

General Binding Rules INNS near water (3) All necessary steps taken to ensure application does not result in increased risk of bank erosion. No water abstraction point for human consumption within 250m. (intake) protectdwsources@scottishwater.co.uk

General Pesticide requirements Appropriately trained Protected areas under habitats regs – check with SNH Consent from land owners Pesticide storage Mixing and handling Keep equipment in good condition

Thank you CAR Practical Guide https://www.sepa.org.uk/media/34761/car_a_practical_guide.pdf