Best practice in controlling rushes using herbicides containing the active substance MCPA

The Pesticide Controls Division (PCD) of the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine (DAFM), in conjunction with Teagasc and Irish Water have recently produced a short (5 minute) video depicting best practice in controlling rushes using herbicides containing the active substance MCPA, residues of which are increasingly being detected in water courses.

The video, which can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/jPjWICPN3S0, was shot on location in Co. Mayo, and seeks to demonstrate at a practical level, how the requirements of the pesticides legislation can be met and addressed.  It is important that all users of professional use plant protection products are aware of their responsibilities and act at all times to protect themselves, bystanders, vulnerable surface water sources (rivers and lakes), and the environment in general from contamination by the products they use.  Failure to comply with pesticides legislation can result in a reduction in an applicant’s Basic Payment, imposition of Fixed Penalty notices, and/or prosecution.

The following link will bring you a page where you can access a copy of the Guidance leaflet “Guidance on protecting drinking water from pesticides”:

http://www.pcs.agriculture.gov.ie/sud/professionaluserssprayeroperators/