Pesticides and Other Chemicals

Common chemicals used in forest land management are generally pesticides (insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides) and fertilizer.  These chemicals are used to control pests - including insects, diseases, and unwanted vegetation - and to enhance tree growth.

When used properly, chemicals should not affect water quality.  However, when improperly applied, chemicals can contaminate surface water or groundwater when they drift, flow overland as runoff, or leach through the soil into groundwater.  Most water quality problems associated with pesticides and fertilizers are caused when they are spilled or improperly sprayed directly on surface water.

Some chemicals are labeled for use in or near streams, lakes, or wetlands.  Still, use extra care when using chemicals in streamside management zones and wetlands.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) uses a combination of manual, mechanical, biological, chemical and preventative techniques to minimize the impact of insects, diseases, and unwanted vegetation.  IPM may reduce dependence on the use of chemicals.

The following best management practices describe techniques to avoid contaminating surface water and groundwater.  These guidelines compliment local, state, and federal regulations governing the storage, sale, transportation, handling and application of chemicals.

By federal law, chemical users must follow Manufacturer's label on pesticide containers.  Employers have the responsibility of making Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) readily available to employees involved in chemical application.


General BMPs for Pesticide Use

Licenses and permits are required for the purchase and application of certain chemicals in Illinois.  Check with the Illinois Department of Agriculture for more information.

Even those applying non restricted pesticides should be licensed.  Obtaining a license provides some learning opportunities.

Maintain a spill containment and cleanup kit appropriate for the materials on the operation and report all spills. For general guidelines, see the Spills section further down.

Follow all EPA product label instructions on chemical containers.

Apply chemicals only under favorable weather conditions.

Calibrate spray equipment to apply chemicals uniformly and in the correct quantities.

Prevent chemical leaks from equipment.  Do preventative maintenance and repair on all equipment for leaking hoses, connections and nozzles.

Use chemicals in streamside management zones with guidance from a trained natural resource professional.

When applying chemicals not labeled for aquatic use in streamside management zones, use spot-injection or stump treatment methods.

Avoid applying herbicides in areas where the chemicals can kill stabilizing vegetation on slopes, gullies, and other fragile areas subject to erosion that drain into surface water.

Pesticides should only be used and applied by trained, licensed individuals or under their direct control.

Special care should be exercised in the application of pesticides to prevent drift.

Mix and load chemicals out of streamside management zones.

Rinse spray equipment and discharge rinse water only in areas that are part of the application site.

Dispose of chemical containers according to label instructions.


Aerial Application of Pesticides

Hire a licensed aerial applicator.

Identify and avoid streamside management zones and surface water to prevent chemicals not specifically labeled for aquatic use from drifting over open water, or from accidentally being applied directly on the water.


Fuels, Lubricants, and Waste

Logging requires large equipment which is subject to rigorous use, often under harsh conditions.  Maintenance and repair frequently are done on-site.

Antifreeze, fuels, and lubricants used in machinery can potentially pollute lakes, streams, wetlands, and groundwater. Planning for forestry operations should include practices to handle solid and liquid wastes generated in the field.

Maintain equipment regularly.  Check hoses and fittings daily to prevent leaks or spills.

Designate specific areas for equipment maintenance and fueling.  Locate these areas on level terrain, a minimum of 100 feet from all streams and lakes.

Collect all waste lubricants, containers and trash.  Store them in leak-proof containers until they can be transported off-site for recycling, reuse, or disposal at an approved site.

Note:  It is illegal to dump fuel, lubricants, and used oil on the roads, land, or waters in Illinois.

Separate all fluids and materials and keep in different labeled containers to avoid creating "hazardous waste" and expensive waste disposal.


Spills

Proper equipment maintenance will prevent many spills.

The following best management practices are general guidelines for spills of fuel and lubricants used in forestry operations.  These practices complement specialized training given to persons using pesticides or other hazardous materials.

Maintain a spill-containment and cleanup kit appropriate for the materials on the operation.  At a minimum, a kit for petroleum products should include:

•        plugs and clamps to control a hydraulic line break;
  
•        a container to catch leaking fluid;
  
•        a shovel; and
  
•        absorbent material such as sawdust to absorb fluid, especially useful in the  winter when soil is frozen.