Latest news with #MCPA
Agriland
5 hours ago
- General
- Agriland
Cavan catchment pilot sees farmers change pesticide usage
A pilot catchment programme in Co. Cavan focused on reducing pesticide usage is aiming to influence national policy as early indications show positive changes occurring in the area. The Erne-Larah Water Source Protection project was designed to understand how landowners can prevent pesticides from getting into drinking water sources. Thirty-five farmers with land in Co. Cavan have been implementing measures on their farms as part of the project. Measures farmers have undertaken include creating and targeting buffer zones and tree/hedge planting along a watercourse to reduce sediment run-off; and mulching and weed wiping. Other steps include stock-proofing watercourses with fencing and the provision of alternative drinking sources such as pasture pumps; and improving pesticide storage, spill kits, and drip trays. One of the main goals of the project is providing evidence that managing water catchments is an effective way to protect water sources from pesticides. The project also aims to test water source protection measures that can be rolled out on a wider scale as part of national policy. According to Uisce Éireann, the Upper Erne catchment was chosen as a testing ground in part due to pesticide exceedances in local drinking supplies. In addition, the catchment has a landscape representative of other water source catchments with pesticide exceedances, due to its agricultural intensity and the nature of its land (grassland dominated with poorly drained soils). Pesticide of particular concern Speaking at the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Water Conference in Co. Galway today (Wednesday, 11) was Lorraine Gaston, integrated catchment manager with Uisce Éireann. Gaston said: 'Back in 2020 when the project scoping was underway, there were 36 public water supplies with exceedances of pesticides nationally.' However she noted that exceedance of pesticide in drinking waters in Ireland are not at levels that would pose a public health risk. 'At the time, a pesticide called MCPA was a particular concern because it accounted for 58% of the pesticide exceedances nationally.' This is a selective herbicide, Gaston explained, designed to kill weeds whilst protecting crops, and commonly used for treating rush infestations. 'MCPA is highly soluble and it has a low affinity towards organic sediments. It can remain in soil for some time and it is persistent in water.' Most of the measures were implemented on the farms as part of the project last year, with some to come this year, after which a preliminary project evaluation will be done. The 35 farmers that signed up to the voluntary project all received a free water and environmental management plan along with free support and advice from an adviser. 'All farms that needed them received a pesticide storage unit, spill kit and drip tray,' Gaston explained. 'In terms of grassland management, 14 farms received mulching and a weed wiping service, 15 farms received stock-proof fencing and alternative drinking water points, and we also held a training event in the catchment to demonstrate riparian buffers and proper sprayer usage. 'Mulching can help suppress rushes by weakening the plants over time and stopping the spread of the seeds. We intend to do another round of mulching this year, followed by weed wiping – a targeted way of applying pesticides directly to the rushes rather than spraying. 'It also uses glyphosate instead of MCPA, which is lower risk to water compared with MCPA,' she added. Additionally, farms were provided with solar-powered troughs and/or pasture pumps, depending on the particular needs on a farm. Targeted buffer zones were created to intercept an overland flow pathway, and native trees were planted, acting as an additional buffer and helping to limit run-off whilst enhancing biodiversity. Monitoring shows early indications that there is a positive outcome emerging for MCPA loads in the catchment. A key outcome of the project for participants has been that 70% said they have changed the way they apply pesticides, and 59% are likely to reduce or stop pesticide use in the future. 'Given the nature of the land in this particular catchment, there is an understanding that many of the farmers won't be able to stop using pesticides altogether,' Gaston added. With the pilot project due to finish this year, those involved are aiming to highlight the key learnings that could potentially be rolled out as part of a wider programme, and what findings could be used to influence policy. Essential for food production Opening the EPA's conference today, Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, with responsibility for nature, heritage and biodiversity, Christopher O'Sullivan stressed that water is our 'most important natural resource', essential for growing crops and raising livestock. Minister O'Sullivan added: 'Healthy ecosystems depend on clean water for plants and animals in so many ways; water is central to our economy and our way of life. 'Managed effectively, water plays a key role in strengthening the resilience of our social, economic and environmental systems.' However, the minister said that significant improvements in water quality have not been delivered at the pace needed, despite 'best efforts'. Ireland, nonetheless, remains above average in terms of compliance compared to the rest of Europe, with 54% of surface waters in Ireland are in good or high ecological status, compared to the EU average of 39%, the minister explained. 'We are facing many issues such as the resilience of our water supplies, the loss of pristine water bodies, the restoring of the natural functions of our rivers for biodiversity and flood protection,' he continued. 'It is imperative that we focus on meeting these challenges as a society, to put this country on a more sustainable environmental pathway. 'We have made very good progress in the last number of years. Governance has been strengthened, delivery programmes have been put in place and measures will be targeted locally to deliver positive environmental outcomes. 'However, in reality, we still have some distance to travel,' Minister O'Sullivan added.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Michigan Attorney General warns of price gouging amid ice storm aftermath in Northern Michigan
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)– Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel urges northern Michigan residents to watch out for price gouging and deceptive business practices amid the recent ice storm. Nessel notes that some companies might exploit the emergency by inflating prices or engaging in unfair business practices. 'Bad actors often see emergencies as an opportunity to take advantage of people in need,' Nessel said in a news release sent to 6 News. 'We need residents to be our eyes and ears and report potential price gouging or deceptive business practices. Filing a complaint with our office can protect your community against these scammers.' Nessel also warns that tree services could exploit residents. Tree services are not licensed, and customers should vet them thoroughly and request written quotes to show the total project cost before signing any agreements. According to Nessel, Michigan law prohibits service providers from charging prices that are 'grossly in excess' of what others are charging for similar services. The Michigan Consumer Protection Act (MCPA) says illegal practices include: Gross discrepancies between the oral representations of the seller and the written agreement covering the same transaction or failure of the other party to the transaction to provide the promised benefits. Charging the consumer a price that is grossly in excess of the price at which similar property or services are sold. Causing coercion and duress as the result of the time and nature of a sales presentation. Making a representation of fact or statement of fact material to the transaction such that a person reasonably believes the represented or suggested state of affairs to be other than it actually is. mcl-act-331-of-1976Download Anyone could file a complaint about to the Michigan Attorney General's Office. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Agriland
28-04-2025
- Health
- Agriland
66 pesticide exceedances in public drinking water supplies in 2024
66 pesticide exceedances were detected in public drinking water supplies in Ireland last year, compared to 52 exceedances in 2023, according to Uisce Éireann. In 2024, the national water utility carried out 34,000 analyses of samples from public drinking water supplies. The number of pesticide exceedances in public drinking water supplies in Ireland has decreased significantly since 2017, by more than 50%. While the overall compliance rate remains very high, Uisce Éireann said that all stakeholders must make sustained efforts and be vigilant to protect drinking water quality. The most frequently detected pesticide substance in Ireland's drinking water is MCPA, an active substance in many herbicide products commonly used to control thistle, dock, and rush. Pesticide Currently, several catchment areas are prioritised for action, where Uisce Éireann has detected recurring pesticide exceedances through its monitoring programmes. These include Hacketstown, Co. Carlow, Greenmount, Co. Louth, and Foynes Shannon Estuary, Co Limerick. The National Pesticides and Drinking Water Action Group (NPDWAG) and local catchment-based focus groups, established to coordinate targeted actions at a local level, are prioritising these areas for further work in 2025. Similar targeted action in recent years in areas such as Belturbet, Co. Cavan and Newport, Co. Mayo has successfully eliminated pesticide exceedances in those water supplies. Dr. Pat O'Sullivan, Uisce Éireann's drinking water compliance senior manager, emphasised the need for collective action. 'Last year, we detected pesticide exceedances 66 times in 22 public drinking water supplies. A concerning trend is the number of exceedances outside the spraying season for certain plant protection products, particularly in winter. 'We want to remind users to be mindful of water sources when using pesticides, as one drop of pesticide can be detected in a stream up to 30km away,' he said. The NPDWAG has reminded all users of herbicides and other pesticide products to always take account of the vulnerability of their local drinking water supplies when making decisions about the possible use of pesticides and to be aware of how their actions could impact their community's drinking water. Dr. Aidan Moody, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) and chair of NPDWAG, said that an integrated pest management approach must be followed, in which the potential to use alternative control methods is fully considered. 'Users of pesticides must always consider the possibilities for alternative control methods in the first instance. If pesticide application is considered essential, ensure they follow best practices to protect water quality. This approach is a win-win for water quality and biodiversity,' Dr. Moody said. Farmers and other landholders dealing with the challenge of rushes should note and follow the DAFM guidance on the sustainable management of rushes. This approach is based on the concepts of containment or suppression and aims to minimise the use of pesticides. Correct usage If pesticides must be used, Uisce Éireann highlighted the following basic steps to reduce risks to drinking water sources and the aquatic environment: Always read the product label carefully and only use product as directed on the label; Note that a closed spray period, during which product use is not permitted, is specified on the label for some products (e.g., products containing MCPA). Products containing MCPA are not approved for use in weed-wipers; Do not use pesticides if rain is forecast in the next 48 hours; Make sure you are aware of the location of all nearby watercourses, including drains, wells and springs; Comply with either a minimum 3m no-spray buffer zone for any watercourse subject to CAP conditionality, or a larger product-specific aquatic buffer zone specified on a product label if one has been set; Avoid spills, stay well back from open drains, and rinse empty containers three times into the sprayer; Store and dispose of pesticides and their containers properly; Never fill a sprayer directly from a watercourse or carry out mixing, loading, or other handling operations beside a watercourse; Never fill/wash a sprayer on concrete or sealed surface areas where spillage/runoff to drains/watercourses is possible; Never leave a sprayer unattended during filling or mixing/agitating, regardless of location. Uisce Éireann has also launched a pilot study in Cavan's Erne-Larah catchment to encourage farmers to consider the vulnerability of the water supplies to pesticide contamination. This pilot study aims to assist Uisce Éireann with capturing new data and learnings on how different protection measures can improve water quality.
The Journal
28-04-2025
- Health
- The Journal
Increase in number of drinking water supply samples exceeding legal limits for pesticides
THERE HAS BEEN an increase in the number of drinking water supply samples that exceed legal limits for pesticides. Uisce Éireann's public water supply monitoring programme found 66 exceedances in 2024 from more than 34,000 analyses, compared to 52 exceedances in 2023. The pesticide levels detected in the monitoring programmes do not pose a risk to health, the body said. These include herbicides such as MCPA, which is used to control dock and thistle, and in Ireland is commonly used to control rushes – meaning it's used close to water courses. As it's water soluble, it's more prone to leaching and run-off to nearby water bodies. There have been recurring cases of samples coming back with high levels of pesticides in Hacketstown, Co Carlow, Greenmount, Co Louth and Foynes Shannon Estuary, Co Limerick. Advertisement These areas will be the subjects of targeted action now, the likes of which Uisce Éireann says was successful in reducing pesticides found in water in Belturbet, Co Cavan and Newport, Co. Mayo. It added that while the overall compliance rate remains 'very high', all stakeholders should stay vigilant to protect drinking water quality. These include Uisce Éireann itself, as well as other state bodies related to water, agriculture and health, such as the HSE and the Irish Farmers' Association. Uisce Éireann and the National Pesticides and Drinking Water Action Group are urging farmers, greenkeepers, amenity users and domestic pesticide users to carefully evaluate the necessity of using pesticides. 'Pesticides should only be applied when essential and after considering alternative methods.' As well as improving water quality, minimising pesticide use can allow native flowering plant species to grow, which in turn supports insects, including bees and other important pollinators. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Yahoo
Illegal gambling machines on the rise in Michigan, attorney general says
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — Gambling is heavily regulated in the state of Michigan, but Attorney General Dana Nessel is advising consumers that illegal gambling machines claiming to be 'skill games' are on the rise in the state. These machines are styled after casino slot machines, with multiple wheels and symbols lsuchg as cherries, sevens and bars. They also have a pay table showing potential prizes. Players insert cash or credits and then spin the wheels, with some machines letting playesrs adjust a wheel to line up the symbols. Despite claiming they are games of skill, these games rely on preset outcomes or random number generation—making them games of chance instead. Michigan law bans misleading claims on gambling machines, making these machines illegal. A business operating these machines can face legal consequences under the Michigan Consumer Protection Act, such as criminal charges, civil penalties, and licensing risks. Under the MCPA, the attorney general can ask a court to strop these activities and fine violators up to $25,000 for repeat offenses. Consumers may also be able to sue for money lost at illegal gaming centers. If you suspect illegal gambling, the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) encourages you to report it. You can do so through the following means: Contacting the MGCB by leaving an anonymous tip at 1-888-314-2682 or emailing MIGambingTip@ Filing a complaint with the attorney general online at link. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
