APPLICATION PLAN FOR THE AERIAL SPRAYING OF PLANT PROTECTION PRODUCTS(DOTHISTROMA (RED BAND) NEEDLE BLIGHT CONTROL WITH COPPER OXYCHLORIDE OR CUPROUS OXIDE) IN SCOTLAND

Applicant name and address:

Date: [APPLICANT TO ADD]

Dear Sir/Madam

REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF APPLICATION PLAN TO AERIALLY SPRAY PLANT PROTECTION PRODUCTS; AND REQUEST FOR PERMISSION TO AERIALLY SPRAY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THAT APPLICATION PLAN (SUBJECT TO IT GAINING APPROVAL)

I seek approval of the Application Plan below, to aerially apply plant protection products to land at the locations detailed in the Appendix/ces to this letter.

APPLICATION PLAN

I will ensure that spray jobs are conducted in accordance with the following conditions:

  • The product to be applied shall be Cuprokylt (MAPP 00604), containing the active substance copper oxychloride, authorised under NANUM 1447 of 2013.
  • Operators carrying out the aerial spraying will hold specified training certificates.The certificate number(s) is/are: [APPLICANT TO ADD].
  • The Civil Aviation Authority Certificate Number(s) for the aircraft undertaking the spray is/are: [APPLICANT TO ADD].
  • A combination of the best available technology and spraying technique will be used to minimise drift from the target (pine needles) to the forest floor and other non-target areas.
  • GPS equipment will be used to identify spray areas and record the spraying activity. The width of the boom, ie the distance between the outer atomisers, will not exceed 80% of the rotor diameter of the aircraft. Microair rotary atomisers will be used to produce a spray with VMD of 65 µm. Vanes and flow rates will be calibrated prior to, and monitored during, the spray operation. Flow meters will be used and if possible the atomiser rotation monitored during application (if this is not possible spraying will only take place when the calculated airspeed is achieved).
  • Spraying will be done in the maximum acceptable windspeed commensurate with flight safety at a height of 4-6 metres above the canopy. Higher wind speeds increase turbulence, keeping droplets suspended in the canopy for longer. Spraying is not acceptable in windspeeds at release height above 10 knots, because of the increased risk of off target drift. Spraying will also be done when the wind is blowing away from any sensitive areas.

I will ensure that the landowner is aware of, and ensures that spray jobs are conducted in accordance with, the following conditions:

  • Appropriate measures are put in place to forewarn members of the public in good time where areas are to be treated (for example, the use of robust and legible warning signs at an appropriate distance);
  • That spraying to protected areas is done in accordance with the terms of any existing nature conservation consent or management agreement which specifically covers aerial spraying. Spraying shall comply with any additional conditions identified by HSE as necessary and attached to any Permit issued following consideration of this Application Plan;
  • Measures necessary to comply with the Water Framework Directive and to protect drinking water are applied.
  • All surface water bodies, wells, boreholes and springs will be protected by a minimum 100 metre no-spray zone.
  • Scottish Water and the relevant local authority shall be consulted at the same time as submission of the Application Plan. Where they have stipulated additional mitigation measures these shall be put in place. Scottish Water also to be notified prior to spraying in the cases of concern to them.
  • Avoid copper build-up in the environment through faulty equipment. (Excessive copper is toxic to livestock).
  • All pipe-work on the tank/aircraft must be examined to make sure that it is in good condition and does not leak.
  • Assess levels of copper before and after spraying in the soil and vegetation, in the spray area and up to 100m from edges of sprayed area.
  • Aircraft operators must have experience at flying between 4 and 6 metres above the trees and be able to recognise when excessive turbulence (caused by increasing wind speeds) results in unsafe aircraft operation.

I will ensure that the pilot is aware of, and ensures that spray jobs are conducted in accordance with, the following conditions:

  • Aircraft are maintained at a:

-Height of not less than 200 feet from ground level when flying over an occupied building and its curtilage;

-Horizontal distance of 60m from any occupied building and its curtilage, children’s playground, sports ground, or building containing livestock.This may be reduced to 30m with the express written consent of the occupier; and/or

-Height of not less than 250 feet above ground level over any motorway and not less than 100 feet above ground level over any public highway.This restriction does not apply if the motorway or public highway has been closed.

  • Spraying outside a protected (nature conservation) area will have a 100m precautionary buffer zone along the boundary of the protected site, unless advised otherwise as a result of HSE’s consideration of this Application Plan.

SUPPORTING DECLARATION

In support of the above Application Plan, I declare that:

  • The following range of alternative methods of control have been considered and deemed inappropriate:

- Hand spraying is unsuitable due to the size and extent of the area to be sprayed (5ha).The heights of mature pine trees are too great to apply fungicide by hand; aerial application is the only way to effectively spray all foliage.

AND/OR

-Aerial application offers advantages in terms of minimising risks to human health due to the sloping or uneven terrain in remote locations, which make it unsuitable for land-based application. The topography would significantly increase the risks to operators which are associated with handling of the equipment, handling and storage of chemicals and washing of equipment;

- Aerial spraying of copper oxychloride and cuprous oxide fungicides on mature pine species to reduce impact of dothistroma (red band) needle blight has been very effective in other countries, eg New Zealand.

  • The information contained herein is true and reflects my best understanding of the circumstances relating to these spray jobs at this time;
  • I will advise HSE of any circumstances which may necessitate the review, withdrawal or amendment of the Application Plan or spray jobs permitted under it, in the event that I obtain approval of this Application Plan and permission for those spray jobs from HSE.

I understand that it is an offence to:

  • make a false declaration for the purposes of obtaining a permit to apply plant protection products from an aircraft;
  • undertake an aerial application which does not comply with an approved application plan or any permits granted under it.

Yours faithfully

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Appendix A

Land neitherin nor within 500m of a protected area

Applicant Ref / County / Map refs / Provisional date and time / Amount of product to be applied
(kg)

Appendix B

Land covered by SEARs clearance

Applicant Ref / County / Map refs / Provisional date and time / Amount of product to be applied
(kg)

Appendix C

Land covered by a Rural Development Contract or Management Agreement referring to Dothistroma (red band) needle blight control

Applicant Ref / County / Map refs / Provisional date and time / Amount of product to be applied
(kg) / SSSI only / SSSI & Natura site / Natura site only
Tick (√ ) one of these boxes only

Appendix D

Land not covered by a Rural Development Contract or Management Agreement referring to Dothistroma (red band) needle blight control

Applicant Ref / County / Map refs / Provisional date and time / Amount of product to be applied
(kg) / SSSI only / SSSI & Natura site / Natura site only
Tick (√ ) one of these boxes only

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