The SIZA Environmental standard covers the safe and responsible handling and application of agrochemicals. It is a minimum requirement that all practices related to agrochemicals should comply with the SANS 10206:2010 regulations — including the filling and mixing areas.
These guidelines focus on the procedures for minimising the risks to the environment and human health when handling pesticides. The SANS 10206:2010 regulations also set out the guidelines for constructing filling points at farm level. It is stated that filling points should be well away from any water sources and that the run-off or spillage of pesticides is not allowed to come in contact with surrounding soil and water resources. Therefore, filling points must have a floor of non-porous material (waterproof cement or concrete) that is bunded. The sole purpose of this is to ensure that potentially contaminated run-off water does not contaminate the surrounding environment and that it evaporates as a means of disposal. Alternatively, a tank can be installed to contain contaminated water from filling points; however, an accredited hazardous waste disposal company should remove the contents.
Please note that the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has confirmed that French drains are no longer legally accepted for the disposal of pesticide-contaminated run-off water in South Africa.
Filling points must be:
- Well away from any water sources.
- The floor must be non-porous (e.g., cement with damp coursing and bunded (retaining wall).
- The evaporation pit can either be filled with stones or covered by a metal grid to prevent animals or birds from drinking the contaminated water.
In addition to the SANS 10206:2010 regulations, filling points should be constructed in accordance with the site’s risk assessments as this will determine their capacity and structure.
