Shavano SCD - Best Management Practices page 26

7.0 - BMPs for Pesticide Use & Pest Control
Introduction Crop pests, including insects, weeds, nematodes and plant diseases, can be a threat to crops in the Uncompahgre Valley. Uncontrolled pests can compete with crops for water, nutrients, and sunlight, causing significant reduction in crop yields. Pesticides often are used as a first line of defense. However, anIntegrated Pest Management (IPM) approach combines chemical control when necessary with preventative, cultural, mechanical, and biological practices to form a comprehensive program for managing pests. The IPM approach optimizes control, while minimizing the amount of chemical needed. Pesticides have the potential of creating problems such as ground water contamination and pest resistance. Farmers and other land managers can protect water resources by implementing the following BMPs that can reduce excessive pesticide use, while still controlling pest damage. *Guidance Principle* Select the most appropriate combination of pest control options, including preventative, cultural, biological, mechanical and chemical methods. Continued development of site-specific IPM and implementation of the following Best Management Practices can reduce the risk of nonpoint source pesticide pollution to waters of the State. BMPs for Pesticide Use 7.1 To ensure protection of local water supplies, agricultural producers and all property owners and operators should develop site-specific pest management programs which include the integration of control methods to prevent pest introduction. Practice systematic "pest awareness:" Early detection provides the opportunity to take action and eradicate pioneer invasive plants while they are seedlings, or young vegetative plants without established root systems. Suppress pest populations below the level at which they are economically damaging to your property. Protect ecological balance and water quality.	7.2 Practice soil tillage and planting practices that complement pesticide application; combine band application with tillage and reduce tillage to increase surface residues. Use releases of beneficial insects when appropriate, and learn how to identify and protect naturally occurring biological control organisms. 7.3 Follow the label that the manufacturer has developed and that has been approved by the EPA and registered in Colorado by the Colorado Department of Agriculture. When using or supervising the use of restricted-use pesticides, comply with the required training that is available and acquire the appropriate applicator's certification. When working with neighbors on cooperative programs, be certain that training, certification, or licensing obligations are met. 7.4 Evaluate site-specific, long-term cultural, mechanical, and biological practices used to control pests and determine how chemical control best fits into the program. Use chemicals in a manner which will minimize off-target effects and diminish the risk of persistence and mobility of pesticides in soil, water and air. 7.5 Be familiar with SB 90-126 Storage and Containment Regulations. The rules and regulations may not apply to all operators, but the principles apply to every applicator. Purchase only what is needed to minimize carry-over and storage. Mix only the volume of spray required, keeping spray concentrates in their original containers. Store, handle and mix pesticides at least 100 feet away from well heads, streams, rivers, lakes, and ponds. Mix chemicals at the application site, using water transported for mixing, or equip faucets with a backflow prevention device and situate hoses to ensure there is an air gap between the end of the hose and the contained water level.
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