02 NCAC 09L .1003          DRIFT CONTROL

No person shall apply a pesticide(s) aerially under such conditions that drift from pesticide(s) particles or vapors results in adverse effect. As a minimum, the following precautions shall be taken:

(1)           Fixed nozzles shall be spaced on the boom to afford a uniform spray pattern at the height the aircraft will be flown.

(2)           All pesticides applied aerially as liquids, in liquid carriers, or as dusts shall be released within 15 feet above the canopy of the target, except where obstructions in or adjacent to the target would endanger the safety of the pilot while applying pesticides at that altitude.

(3)           All pesticides applied aerially as dry granules or pellets shall be released within 40 feet above the canopy of the target, except where obstructions in or adjacent to the target would endanger the safety of the pilot while applying pesticides at that altitude.

(4)           All applications of the following liquid pesticide formulations shall be made using a D4 or larger disk with a 46 whirlplate with the discharge directed with the airstream or not more than 10 degrees below the horizontal, and operated at a maximum pressure of 40 pounds per square inch, or a system producing a droplet size range not smaller than the above system, except for rotary‑wing aircraft flying at speeds of 60 mph or less, in which case the nozzles may be directed downward:

(a)           phenoxy herbicides,

(b)           paraquat,

(c)           picloram (Tordon), and

(d)           dicamba.

(5)           Restricted use pesticides other than those specified in (4) of this Rule shall be applied as follows:

(a)           use a D4 or larger disk with a 45 whirlplate with the discharge directed with the airstream or not more than 10 degrees below the horizontal, and operated at a maximum pressure of 40 pounds per square inch; or

(b)           a system producing a droplet size range not smaller than the above system, except for rotary‑wing aircraft flying at speeds of 60 mph or less, in which case the nozzles may be directed downward; or

(c)           use a boom with outside nozzles placed no closer to the wingtips than 12‑1/2 percent of the total wingspan distance. If the length of the boom of the spraying equipment exceeds the nozzle span, a bleeder line shall be provided from the end of the boom to the last nozzle on the boom.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 143‑458; 143‑463;

Eff. July 2, 1976;

Amended Eff. January 1, 1985;

Readopted Eff. August 1, 2020.