Herbicide applications and SEPA Andy Hemingway

How to notify SEPA before using herbicides in or near water On-site management of Japanese Knotweed Briefly….

The Law Not illegal to have invasive species on your land But Wildlife and Countryside Act Offence to cause the spread of invasive species WANE 2011 If allow to spread to nearby landowner – may be a civil matter JK and contaminated soil is controlled waste

Notify if…. Herbicide Use in or Near Water? All direct applications into water ‘Near water’ significant risk of entering water including applications to land susceptible to flooding

Is Herbicide Use Essential? Herbicides potentially toxic and polluting Alternatives? Cutting/burning/bashing On site burial Off site disposal Address root cause of infestation

How to Notify us… SEPA website – under ‘Application forms’ Complete non-aerial application form At least 3 weeks before Include site plan Paper or on-line

Which are Approved? List of approved pesticides - The Blue Book Now internet only Pesticides.gov.uk CRD Pesticides Register ‘Aquatic use permitted’ Mostly Glyphosate as active ingredient

Your Responsibilities… Scottish Water? – public DW supplies LA? – private DW supplies SNH, SWT? - Nature conservation sites Fisheries interests? Others? - fish farms

SEPA Approval

Japanese Knotweed On-site Management of JK and contaminated soils SEPA Guidance Note - website Options Spraying on site – best if time allows Burning – WML exemption Cutting – not strimming / flailing Burial

On-site Burial of JK Precautions Only glyphosate Locate where won’t be disturbed – erosion, development >5m cover with geomembrane, eg heavy plastic Record location

Off-site disposal of JK and soils Last resort? Careful not to spread by hauliers or tracked machinery! Controlled waste - transfer notes Inform haulier and landfill operator Site must have appropriate WML Disposal at landfill requires >5m depth etc

Herbicide Applications – simple! Notify SEPA Notify others who may be affected Follow manufacturer’s instructions Other on site management of JK – not so simple! contact SEPA if unsure

Contacts Stirling office for herbicide notifications for Falkirk, Stirling, Clacks, W Fife and part West Lothian Council Out of hours pollution incident

Questions?