Abstract
Kennedy, I. (1994). Agricultural chemical displosal: A community psychology perspective. Unpublished Master of Social Science Thesis. Hamilton: University of Waikato.
The general aim of this study was to look at the extent to which agrichemical waste is a problem in New Zealand, what causes the problem, and if there are any safe disposal procedures for the growing stockpiles of unwanted chemicals presently being stored.
This study included extensive archival research, an indepth survey, interviews and correspondence. Interviews were completed with ab agrichemical contractor, a Geotechnical Officer, with ongoing meetings with the Waikato Pesticide Awareness Committee (Waipac) and Environment Waikato. A collection of unwanted agrichemicals was observed.
It was concluded that no facilities exist in New Zealand for the disposal of persistent or intractable chemicals. Nor are there any immediate plans by the Government to consider such a facility.
From the information collected, it was possible to estimate the amount of unwanted chemical for rural New Zealand using a low (5.3%) and high (22%) average. The low percentage was estimated at 253 tonnes and the high percentage, 1050 tonnes of intractable or unidentified chemical.
The Resource Management Act (1991) has delegated responsibility for the disposal of agrichemicals to local Regional Councils. Permission for on-farm burial of unwanted agrichemicals is required from local Regional Councils of which regulations for such disposal varies between councils.
While some Regional Councils are currently collecting unwanted agrichemicals, storage and disposal of persistent or intracable chemicals remain unresolved.
It was concluded that Government needed to commission a disposal facility for the destruction of persistent and intractable agrichemicals.
It was recommended that all Regional Councils implement an unwanted chemical collection process.
Local Government Association were recommended to establish a protocol for the collection of agrichemicals to ensure chemical collections include human and environmental safety.
Recommendations were made for Agrichemical Training Institutions to have consistency of information in their education training programmes.
It was recommended that Agrichemical Manufacturers and Importers ensure labels on agrichemical containers are "reader friendly", non-technical and included information on appropriate disposal methods.
Agrichemical users were recommended to attend an apprpriate agrichemical training programme such as a Growsafe course and, be aware of legal implications when considering on-farm disposal. |
Community Psychology