The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has successfully prosecuted a Coonamble farm manager for pesticide misuse. Mr Angus Dixon will have to pay $18,000 following a spray drift incident at Tooloon Station in Coonamble that caused adverse health impacts to three EPA officers.
In January 2024, the officers were conducting vegetation sampling near the boundary of a property in Coonamble during windy conditions when they were exposed to pesticide spray drift. Testing showed the chemicals used included 2,4-D and glyphosate.
As a result of the chemicals, the officers experienced symptoms including skin and eye irritation, headaches, and nausea, and required medical treatment. Some of the symptoms continued for several days.
NSW EPA Director Operations, Scott Kidd, said the requirement not to spray pesticides during windy conditions was a fundamental condition of pesticide use.
"This successful prosecution sends a strong signal about our commitment to enforcing pesticide regulations and protecting the health and safety of everyone in our community," Mr Kidd said.
"The misuse of pesticides can have serious health consequences, and we will continue to take action to prevent such incidents.
"In addition to harming human health if they aren't used correctly, pesticides can impact neighbouring farms if sprayed in windy conditions and they can also damage the environment.
"We encourage all community members to report spray drift incidents to us immediately so that they can be investigated."
Mr Dixon was convicted of an offence contrary to section 10(1)(a) of the Pesticides Act 1999. The court imposed a fine of $8,000 and ordered the defendant to pay $10,000 of the EPA's professional costs.
The community is encouraged to report pollution, including spray drift incidents, to the EPA's 24/7 Environment Line on 131 555.
