There is one golden rule:
If you’re planning to spray, let your neighbours know well in advance!
You should also be aware that:
Under the Resource Management Act, Environment Bay of Plenty is responsible for the control of spraying anywhere in the region - the Proposed Regional Air Plan sets out what operators can and can not do.
Health protection authorities are obliged to investigate reports from people who feel their health has been affected by spraydrift. Under the Health Act, poisoning arising from chemical contamination is a notifiable disease.
Under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry regulations spraydrift damage to other properties (mainly plant damage) could result in the initiation of criminal proceedings.
There are a number of things you can do to help prevent contact with spraydrift:
- Stop any outdoor activity - for example, children and pets playing outside.
Close windows.
- Bring in washing from the line.
- Store some water in clean containers. (To keep it clean, add ½ a teaspoon of household bleach per 10 litres.)
- Disconnect the pipes to any water tanks collecting rainwater from a roof.
- Cover fishponds.
If spraydrift does occur and you are concerned about possible effects on health, animals or plants, phone Environment Bay of Plenty’s POLLUTION HOTLINE 0800 73 83 93.
After you have reported the spraydrift, if you believe it requires investigation, make a note of the details such as:
- How you first became aware of it.
- The time, date, weather (especially wind strength and direction) and events as they happened.
- The colour and smell of the spray, if obvious.
- Who was spraying in the area, and the equipment used.
- Any symptoms occurring after spraydrift, and how long before they became apparent.
- If an aircraft was used - its identification number and colour, the direction it came from and an estimate of its height above the ground.
You may even be able to video or photograph what is happening.
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