Working with the legislators

publication date: Jun 27, 2008

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author/source: David Harris

With impending EU legislation set to change working practices the maintenance and control of the weed population in our public spaces is about to undergo radical change with the spotlight firmly on the Amenity sector.
Landscape & Amenity Product Update recently attended one of a series of UK seminars organised by Nomix Enviro designed to raise awareness on the part of clients, contractors and the industry itself. With the emphasis on the control of invasive weeds in Public and open spaces the basis of presentations was to propose and discuss ideas and solutions for the provision of sustainable weed control programs.
Mark Phillips Nomix Enviro Managing Director spoke on the issues which, in his view, will impact on the sector, highlighting Climate change, E U legislation, budgeting, protection of communities and new technology.

Mark said “ the main effect on our industry from climate change is and will continue to be a complete re-think of the way in which we maintain our public areas and open spaces. The growing season is now much longer and as a consequence weed control operations have ecome a year round task with associated impact on budgeting.

Climate change bye-products are twelve month spraying, a more invasive weed population and new species all resulting in degradation of public spaces and a dissatisfied public.

We in the industry must recognise the dynamics of change such climate change, impending and on-going EU legislation under the Thematic Strategy for Pesticides policy which will affect ‘old chemistry ‘ products and also the prominence of Green issues which currently dominate the political debate. The EU Thematic Strategy on Pesticides is set to have a dramatic effect on the way the industry is allowed to operate. It insists on the sustainable use of herbicides and it’s stated aim is to minimise risk to both health and the environment.

The industry has to be prepared to work hard with the legislators to maintain product (it is estimated that over 900 existing products are currently under threat from new legislation) We have to use less better and not be seen as the bad boys with the harmful products.

The need to avoid run-off into our water courses and drainage systems is definitely putting increased pressure on ‘blanket spraying’ from ATV’s or small tractors, the elimination of ‘spray-drift’ and highlighting the benefits of regular ‘spot’ applications.

The industry has to fight back in a constructive manner with softer residuals, residual activity, good control, cost benefit analyses,Basis qualified advise and tailored weed control packages to suit all needs. Contractors will need to be Amenity Assured.

Local Authorities are responsible for approximately seventy five per cent of all Amenity uses of Pesticides in such areas as pavements, roads, railways, parks and sports grounds and schools etc.

Nomix is responding to the changes mentioned here in a proactive manner with the launch of Dual a residual for virtually any application other than hard surfaces and Frontline 900 sprayer with TDC (Total Droplet Control) combining the latest in Herbicide application technology with Nomix TDC oil emulsion herbicides to control weeds safely in a sustainable way”