The Board encourages contractors and landholder to use herbicides in an effective and environmentally responsible manner when controlling weeds near water.
Currently their is no definitive Board Policy on the use of herbicides near water, however, for those seeking information on how to use them more effectively it is suggested that landholders consider the Tasmanian Rivercare Guideline for Safe & Effective Herbicide Use Near Water.
The most significant aspect of the Tasmanian guideline is the distinction made between Aquatic Sites, Commonly Inundated Sites, and Rarely Inundated Sites. This distinction allows for a more diverse range of herbicides to be used in riparian restoration, while minimising the opportunity for those herbicides to impact on water quality and in-stream biota.
View the Tasmanian Guidelines
Learning how to manage and handle chemicals safely and responsibly not only ensures your personal protection, but also provides environmental protection for our precious natural resources. The Board has produced a series of 10 fact sheets on the issue of responsible chemical use, one of which covers the topic “Weeds Near Water” giving some general advice and tips on controlling weeds around waterways and near stormwater drains. Click here for a copy of that fact sheet.
Click here to check out the complete series of Responsible Chemical Use fact sheets.
For more information on the use of herbicides please contact the Board on 8273 9100.