Slug Pellets are PesticidesHow the SUPPLY CHAIN can

PROTECT WATER

Issued by the Metaldehyde Stewardship Group, Jan 2009

Content

1. The Problem & Why?2. Why does it Matter?3. Supply Chain Action4. Information

The Problem & Why?More sensitive testing for Metaldehyde* in water began in Autumn 2007.Found at unacceptable levels in a no. of lowland river sources.

Metaldehyde is:

- Highly stable in water & therefore persistent;

- Almost impossible to remove at waterworks.

This is the biggest pesticideproblem reported in water to date.

*Metaldehyde is the active ingredient in most slug pellets sold in the UK

The Problem & Why?Pesticide “Best Practice” is not always followed for pellets.Large volumes are used annually.

3 causes of the problem:

- “Direct” (e.g applied into watercourses);

- “Point” – Handling, Storage, Transport (e.g spillages);

- “Diffuse” (e.g through soil, runoff).

Slug pellets are often not regardedas pesticides in Agriculture.

Why does it Matter?Water Companies must achieve compliance at all intakes.

Gov’t regulators will take required action within 12 months.

Without a dramatic reduction in levels found in water, severe restrictions are certain.

Other options for slug control are limited.

Loss of slug pellets would have a huge impacton arable production in the UK.

The agricultural industry will sufferunless detection levels fall dramatically.

Why does it Matter?69% of Winter OSR & 30% of W.Wheat is treated with slug pellets*.

Winter Wheat would become much more difficult to grow.

Winter OSR would be lost from the rotation.

Spring OSR yields are 38% lower than Winter OSR.

Farm Income & competitiveness would fall dramatically.

The agricultural industry will sufferunless detection levels fall dramatically.

*source: estimates from Kynetic & CSL 2006/7

Supply chain Action

1. Attitudes to Slug Pellets2. Procurement3. Storage4. Handling5. Transport

Attitudes to Slug PelletsSlug pellets are pesticides & subject to equal regulation.

E.g Think of pellets as you would herbicide granules.

Pesticide “Best Practice” should always be followed for:

- Storage, handling & transport;

- Application;

- Cleaning & disposal.

Everyone should apply this to their working behaviour.

Treat slug pellets as pesticides& levels in water will fall.

ProcurementWorking with suppliers, businesses should adoptpolicies for slug pellets including minimum standards for:

Pellet Quality. Less dust = lower risk. Dusty pellets should be rejected.

Concentration of Active Ingredient. Less a.i = lower risk

Packaging Quality. No leaks = lower risk

& agree practices for:

Dealing with Leaks & Spills (Spot-Check Sites)

Returning Unsatisfactory Goods

Policies will directly improve qualitystandards & reduce the risk to water.

HandlingDo not accept damaged or poor quality packaging.

Take care unloading & stacking bags and pallets to avoid damage.

Handling

Spills not cleaned up immediately willfind their way into water .

HandlingClean up spillages immediately.

Collect & contain sweepings for disposal or return to the supplier*.

Also, dispose or return all affected packaging.

* Containment bags are available from the Metaldehyde Stewardship Group - Tel: 0845 1770117

StorageSlug pellets are pesticides & must be stored according to the code of practice.

Always store bags and pallets under cover preferably secured.

All storage sites should have a “containment bag*” available to contain leaks & spills, ready for disposal or return.

* Bags are available on request from the Metaldehyde Stewardship Group - Tel: 0845 1770117

TransportTransport slug pellets as you would pesticides.

Carry bags* to contain any leaks.

Clean up leaks immediately.

Check vehicles to ensure they remain clear of loose pellets.

* Bags are available from the Metaldehyde Stewardship Group - Tel: 0845 1770117

TransportDo not deliver damaged packaging onto farm.

Do not accept returns of uncontained, damaged or leaking bags.

Information

Slug Pellets are Pesticides

Everyone involved in manufacturing,storing, transporting & handling

slug pellets can make the difference needed by remembering that pellets are pesticides

& they must be kept out of water

InformationWebsite: www.pelletsarepesticides.co.uk

For more background & practical advice.

Helpline: 0845 1770117For advice, presentations, brochures, leaflets,spillage kits & stickers available on request.

Spokespersons: Colin Myram (07786 228348 - colinmyram@aol.com)Paul Fogg (07774 119346 - paul.fogg@cea-res.co.uk)

Media Contact: Catherine LinchT 01568 617622M 07850 802799E catherine@pinstone.co.uk

www.barclay.ie 00353 1 811 2900

www.certiseurope.co.uk 01980 676 500

www.chilternfarm.com 01833 628 282

www.desangosse.co.uk 01223 811 215

www.doff.co.uk 0115 983 4300

www.lonza.com 0115 983 4300

www.mauk.co.uk 01635 860 555

Supporting this campaign:Metaldehyde Stewardship Group (MSG)

Supporting this campaign:

www.agindustries.org.uk 01733 385230

www.aicc.org.uk 01730 823 881

www.nfuonline.com 024 7685 8500

www.nptc.org.uk 024 7685 7300

www.nroso.nptc.org.uk

www.voluntaryinitiative.org.uk