Title: An investigation into high concentrations of atrazine in surface waters and the increase in maize production in the Otter valley
Author: P. Rose
Document Type: Monograph
Abstract:
Maize production for the Sid and Otter catchments as risen from 625 acres during 1989 to 1971 acres for 1994. The Water Quality Officer for the Otter Catchment identified that farmers in the area would be generally increasing the quantity of maize grown for 1995 compared to the previous year. The concern of the WQO was that increased maize production would inevitably result in an increase in the quantity of herbicide used in the Otter Valley, namely that containing the active organo chloro compound Atrazine, sold commercially as Gesaprim 500 SCI. Groundwater taken from the boreholes Greatwell 3, Dotton 3, 4 and 5 within the Otter catchment area is known to be contaminated with concentrations of Atrazine and increased use of the herbicide may have the potential to increase concentrations further. The concerns expressed by the WQO were that the mixing, application and subsequent disposal of the herbicide may not be carried out in accordance with good agricultural practice and may result in contamination of surface and ground waters by run-off, spillage or unsuitable disposal methods. The WQO visited the farmers and agricultural contractors in the area to remind them of the potential hazards that Atrazine presents.
Publisher: National Rivers Authority
Publication Date: 1995
Publication Place: Exeter
Subject Keywords: Herbicides; Agricultural pollution; Catchment management; Contamination; Pollution control; Groundwater; Rivers
Geographic Keywords: Otter (river, Devon); Devon; East Devon catchment
Extent: 65
Permalink: http://www.environmentdata.org/archive/ealit:3859
Total file downloads: 331
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