The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is focusing on horticultural farms in the Hearnes Lake Catchment Area to protect local waterways and aquatic life from pesticide runoff and impacts.
Nine recent inspections conducted by the EPA saw two cucumber growers issued with Clean-up Notices to manage their pesticides.
The cucumbers farmers must remove old containers, plants and sawdust found near Houp Gully, a sub-catchment of Hearnes Lake. The discarded items located near the waterway were potentially contaminated with pesticide.
The notice also requires the farmers to stop water containing fertiliser being discharged into the gully.
EPA Director of Regulatory Operations Steve Orr said more local inspections are planned and warned anyone found using pesticides irresponsibly will face regulatory action.
“We want to ensure our waterways and our sensitive environment stays clean and safe and producers have a responsibility to manage their operations in accordance with environmental laws. The EPA’s website has information on preventing pesticide misuse and if farmers need
