To spray or not to spray
TOWNSVILLE City Council has denied its use of a herbicide at Woodstock ahead of rain was unsafe despite product warnings that say contaminating waterways should be avoided.
But directions for use of the product, Roundup Biactive, are confusing, with its supplier, Sinochem Australia, saying it contains an “aquatic approved” surfactant allowing use around creeks and dams, while manufacturer Monsanto’s directions for use say not to contaminate dams, rivers or streams and not to apply it within half a kilometre of potable water intakes.
Woodstock resident Jade Eastaughffe said its use just before recent rain was inappropriate and that their property’s dam and likely the city’s water supply had been contaminated as a result.
“I’m not saying it is a dangerous poison but when used incorrectly and not to the ( Material Safety Data Sheet) standards, like any poison, it has the potential to become dangerous when not used correctly,” she said.
“In some areas they sprayed directly into flowing water that enters our dam.”
A council truck was using the herbicide to spray weeds on Murray Rd on February 26.
According to its safety data sheet, Roundup Biactive is classified by Safe Work Australia as a non- hazardous chemi- cal. A council spokesman said the product was registered for use in and around water bodies by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority and was also designed for use in wet weather.
Staff did not spray within 500m of a drinking water supply intake, the spokesman said.
“We confirm that the council officer was using a specific type of spray that’s designed to be used in wet weather to protect areas that are environ- mentally sensitive,” he said.
“This formula is safe to be used in areas around streams, creeks, dams, channels and drains – and does not cause any harm to the environment through run- off.
“The use of this herbicide is important to prevent drains and roadside areas from being clogged by overgrown vegetation.”
Under its directions for use, under the heading, Protection of wildlife, fish, crustacea and environment, it says: “DO NOT contaminate dams, rivers or streams with the product or used container.”
When used for controlling weeds in aquatic situations, the directions say not to use additional surfactant/ wetting agent unless it is approved for use in aquatic situations and not to apply the product within 0.5km upstream of potable water intake in standing or flowing water.
Ms Eastaughffe said the glyphosphate used in Roundup killed beneficial insects including predatory mites, lacewings, lady beetles, and predatory beetles.