Chemical filling point construction in South Africa is guided by SANS 10206 (2010): The handling, storage, and disposal of pesticides. During the recent Lead Auditor training conducted by SIZA (7 – 8 September 2022), it came to our attention that there is still confusion lingering about the usage of French drain systems as a disposal method for contaminated water/chemicals at chemical filling points on farms.
French drain systems (also sometimes referred to as soakaway systems) consist of underground perforated pipes surrounded by gravel, which assist in the distribution and percolation of liquids into soil across a chosen area.
As communicated in a previous Auditing Newsletter, SIZA has received confirmation from the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) that French drain systems are no longer permitted. Please follow the following link for further information – “Filling Points on Farms: The South African National Standard (SANS) and the Regulations”.
This confirmation received from DWS is in line with the SANS 10206 (2010) regulations, which state under section 10.5.2 Spray mix:
10.5.2.2 Extreme care shall be taken during mixing operations and when a spray tank is filled to prevent contamination of persons and the environment. The mixing and filling area shall be well away from any water sources, and entry to the area shall be restricted. The floor shall be of nonporous material and shall be bunded.
Please also keep in mind that the SANS 10206 (2010) defines pesticides as follows:
3.12 Pesticide
Agricultural remedy
Any chemical substance or biological remedy, or any mixture or combination of any substance or remedy intended to be used for the destruction, control, repelling, attraction or prevention of any undesired microbe, alga, nematode, fungus, insect, plant, vertebrate, invertebrate, or any product thereof, or as a plant growth regulator, defoliant or legume inoculant.