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5.1.3. Measures under the Directive for the sustainable use of pesticides

According to the Directive 128/2009/EC for the sustainable use of pesticides, European Member States had to develop National Action Plans (NAP). The Directive itself also builds on other legislation, like the requirements of the Water Framework Directive to protect surface waters and groundwater as well as protected areas for the use of drinking water.

The Directive includes specific chapters and articles, which are the basis for the development of the NAP including the conceptual framing of measures. This includes, for example training for professional users (e.g. certificates), special requirements for sales of pesticides, information and awareness raising. Especially the last two aspects have a high priority to inform the general public on the risks according to acute or chronic effects of pesticides (EU, 2009). Next to these aspects, inspection of equipment in use as well as specific practices and uses are mentioned. According to this, Article 11 of the Directive leads to Specific measures to protect the aquatic environment and drinking water. These measures shall support and be compatible with the Water Framework Directive:

• Measures giving preference to pesticides that are not classified as dangerous for the aquatic environment.
• Measures giving preference to the most efficient application tech­niques.
• Use of mitigation measures which minimize the risk of off- site pollution caused by spray drift, drain-flow and run-off.

Reducing as far as possible or eliminating applications on or along roads, railway lines, very permeable surfaces or other infrastructure close to surface water or groundwater or on sealed surfaces with a high risk of run-off into surface water or sewage systems.