Siting the mix station
- At least 100 ft from wells, streams, ditches, and tile inlets (further is better; follow state setbacks).
- Level ground, downwind of where people stand, ideally on a containment pad or heavy tarp.
- Clean water for washing and eye rinse within arm's reach — not in the truck bed 40 feet away.
- Never leave a filling tank unattended.
Preventing back-siphoning (the invisible contamination)
Keep an air gap: the fill hose end must stay above the tank's water line at all times. A hose submerged in mix + a pressure drop = pesticide sucked back into your well. Alternatively use a check valve/anti-backflow device, but the air gap is free and doesn't fail.
Mixing order (W-A-L-E)
Half-fill with clean water and start agitation → Wettable/dry products → Agitate fully → Liquids/flowables → Emulsifiables, then adjuvants last. Rinse each container three times into the tank. Details and jar test: adjuvants & tank mixing.
Spill response — the three C's
- Control: stop the source, protect yourself (PPE on before you approach), keep people back.
- Contain: dike with absorbent — kitty litter, sand, spill pads. Keep it out of drains, ditches, and water at all costs.
- Clean up: sweep into a labeled, sealable container for proper disposal. Decontaminate tools and the surface.
Report significant spills to your state agency (and CHEMTREC 1-800-424-9300 for guidance). Never wash a spill "away" — dilution is not disposal.
Spill kit contents
- Absorbent (5+ lb) and a scoop
- Heavy-duty contractor bags + a sealable pail
- Spare nitrile gloves, goggles, coveralls
- Caution tape, marker, and a copy of the labels/SDS
- Clean water jug + eyewash bottles
- Phone list: state agency, CHEMTREC, Poison Control (1-800-222-1222)
Standard extension/label practice; state setback distances vary. Related: PPE guide, transport rules.
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