BMP attachmt to IPM Policy 6-2011IPM BMPS AND CONTROL MEASURES
This section includes BMPS and control measures to protect water quality during the use of
pesticides, when it is determined through an IPM process that pesticides must be used.1
PESTICIDE USAGE
1) Follow all federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing the use, storage, and
disposal of pesticides and training of pest control advisors and applicators.
2) Use the least toxic pesticides that will do the job, provided there is a choice. The agency
will take into consideration the LD50, overall risk to the applicator, and impact to the
environment.
3) Apply pesticides at the appropriate time to maximize their effectiveness and eliminate the
likelihood of discharging non -degraded pesticides in stormwater runoff. Do not apply
pesticides if rain is expected (this does not apply to the use of pre -emergent herbicide
applications when required by the label for optimal results.)
4) Employ techniques to minimize off -target application (e.g. spray drift) of pesticides,
including consideration of alternative application techniques. For example, when
spraying is necessary, increase drop size, lower application pressure, use surfactants and
adjuvants, using wick application, etc.
5) Apply pesticides only when wind speeds are low.
6) Mix and apply only as much material as is necessary for treatment. Calibrate application
equipment prior to and during use to ensure desired application rate.
7) Do not mix or load pesticides in application equipment adjacent to a storm drain inlet,
culvert or watercourse.
8) Irrigate slowly to prevent runoff and then only as much as is needed.
PESTICIDE STORAGE
1) To minimize quantities of pesticides stored, purchase what is needed for use in the near
future.
2) Implement storage requirements for pesticide products with guidance from the local fire
department and the Santa Clara County Agricultural Commissioner. Provide secondary
containment for pesticides, if required.
3) Provide spill kits, store the kits near pesticides, and train employees to use them.
4) Store pesticides in a locked and posted individual storage unit. Pesticides should not be
stored where they could be exposed to rain or irrigation water, causing pesticide runoff to
storm drains or creeks.
5) Store pesticides only in labeled containers.
' The following BMPs are taken from the Performance Standard for Public Streets, Roads, and Highways Operation and
Maintenance, Section V.D.3. (Vegetation Control for Median and Road Embankment Maintenance), the San Mateo
Countywide Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program (STOPPP) Performance Standards for Integrated Pest Management,
and the San Mateo County Department of Agriculture Alternatives and Best Management Practices letter to San Mateo
County Pest Control Companies.
FINAL 3-1 6/11
PESTICIDE DISPOSAL
1) Dispose of empty pesticide containers according to the instructions on the container label.
2) Dispose of unused pesticides as hazardous wastes in accordance with applicable regulations.
References and Sources for Pesticide Regulations
• California Code of Regulations, Title 3 (www.calregs.com\default.htm)
• California Food and Agricultural Code Division 6 and Division 7
• Santa Clara County Agricultural Commissioner
• Department of Pesticide Regulation
• Structural Pest Control Board, California Department of Consumer Affairs
References for IPM Materials, Available from the University of California Statewide
Integrated Pest Management Project
Reference Publication:
• Pests of Landscape Trees and Shrubs
Available at:
http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/IPMPROJECT/pubs.html
FINAL 3-2 6/11