Chemical spraying for weed and pest control is generally permitted under the Air Quality Plan without needing a resource consent.
However, you must only use a Pesticides Board approved spray, make sure it does not reach water or drift over property boundaries or other non-target areas, and use it as directed by the manufacturer's instructions.
If you are spraying you must also make sure the spray does not reach roofs from which rainwater is collected for water supply. If spraying is by ground application, you must advise residents who live closer than 30m to the area to be sprayed that you intend to spray.
If spraying is by aerial application then you must advise people who live within 100m of the area to be sprayed that you intend to spray.
Under the Fresh Water Plan, spraying aquatic herbicides directly into water to control unwanted aquatic plants is permitted without a resource consent, as long as:
- You do not spray any of the wetlands that are listed in the Fresh Water Plan as significant wetlands (see Wetlands section of this Guide).
- You use an approved spray and as directed by the manufacturer's instructions o you make sure it does not drift over property boundaries or other non-target areas.
- There are no significant environmental effects.
- No potable water supplies or other water uses are affected.
If there is any accidental discharge of spray you must let the Taranaki Regional Council know as soon as possible.
If you cannot meet any of these requirements, then you may be required to stop spraying, avoid problems recurring, or apply for a resource consent.
Both the Air Quality Plan and the Fresh Water Plan contain guidelines for good spraying practices that will reduce potential environmental problems and help you meet the requirements of the plans.
REFER TO AIR QUALITY PLAN ( EFFECTS OF SPRAY DRIFT)
REFER TO FRESH WATER PLAN ( SPRAYING AQUATIC HERBICIDES DIRECTLY INTO WATER)