First of all, what are fill pads? Also known as rinse pads and fill stations, yes, they have been required by various federal and state laws for the past ten or so years.

The purpose of the fill pad is to contain any overflow or splashing that occurs during the sprayer tank mixing and loading operations so as to prevent the material from leaching into the soil.

This is a tricky subject because it brings all sorts of different areas of government into play, the least not being D.E.R.M. (Department of Environmental Regulations Management), and of course, E.P.A. and the State Departments of Agriculture, Natural Resources, Water Management, and so-on. (read: everybody and his brother)

Environmental groups, extension people and universities have been harping on fill pads for several years, but the problem is that growers are usually very mobile and can't really afford to build pads all over their fields, especially when these are leased and may not be in production the next season.

Static growers, such as nurseries and tree farms (fruit growers, too) have fixed installations and should consider installing their fill pads where they service the sprayers.

I don't recommend putting this decision off, because it is only a matter of time, and then maybe a short time, before enforcement begins on this issue.

Especially in areas where there is local sensitivity to water quality and soil contamination or clean-up projects, you should keep your ear to the ground on this subject.

The parameters for locating the fill pads are very simple: keep them away from wells, at least 100 feet. Some states demand 250 feet. That’s a long way to run a pipe!!

Meanwhile, you can circumvent the issue by using a portable containment basin, such as those sold by Chemical Containers, Inc.. These containment basins are very much like inflatable kiddie pools, but really do the job, especially if you are moving around.

Another thing to remember: never mix and load in the same place twice. Move around. If you get caught on a spot that has hundreds of pesticide spills in it because it is the "fill station" (the north end of row 57) you are going to be looking at "mucho dinero" for a clean-up, and I mean "much, mucho, mucho, dinero!"

You also might want to run discs or blades over old fill areas to loosen and aireate the soil that may be loaded with residues. This will help clean it up.

Remember to train your mixer./loaders to mind the hose while filling the tank and not walk off for a smoke and then come back when the thing has been overflowing for a couple of minutes. This is contamination and also hard on your pocket because of the water wasted.

Yes, this is something that we don't have in the forefront of our mind, but you should keep it in mind and do something about it in the near future.