The protection of the nation's surface water and groundwater resources has become one of the primary environmental issues facing pesticide applicators. This is especially true in Maryland with the on-going efforts to restore the Chesapeake Bay. Maryland is also comprised of a diverse geological makeup that ranges from the sandy soil and shallow water tables of the Eastern Shore to the fractured limestone areas of Central and Western Maryland. Pesticides can reach surface water by running off the application site following a heavy rainfall and into neighboring streams and rivers or sink holes.
Pesticides can also leach through the soil profile into the groundwater.
Water contamination can also be the result of a direct or specific source, such as a spills or backsiphoning during filling of pesticide application equipment. It is the responsibility of all pesticide applicators to ensure that they are using every means available to prevent pesticides from contaminating Maryland's surface water and groundwater resources. BMP's are effective, common sense practices that emphasize proper mixing, loading and application of pesticides and also include methods that should be used before, during and after application. When these recommended Best Management Practices are followed the potential to cause an adverse effect on the environment will greatly be reduced. The Application Site - Scout the area to evaluate the extent of the pest problem in order to select the appropriate control method.