Reducing the Impact of Flooding –

Agricultural Chemicals – Waste Pesticides

When Flooding is Inevitable

Unlike other natural disasters that strike Missouri (e.g. tornadoes), severe flooding usually can be predicted, giving those in the effected areas the opportunity to prepare. One important form of preparation is to take steps to minimize the environmental effects agricultural chemicals would have if exposed to flood waters. The suggestions below are taken from Reducing the Impact of Flooding – Agricultural Chemicals, a fact sheet created by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.

Waste Pesticides

• Protect all pesticides including any unusable or unwanted herbicides, insecticides or other pesticides from rising water or other water damage.
• Repackage or overpack all paper bags to protect dry product from water damage.
• Repackage or overpack older containers, liquid products or containers in poor condition to protect from water damage.
• Use rigid plastic or metal containers to repackage or overpack containers.
• Store pesticides damaged by water or otherwise rendered unusable for proper disposal. Do not throw pesticides into trash or dump onto ground.
• Contact the waste pesticide collection program for information on the disposal of damaged or unusable pesticides.

More information regarding reducing the impact of flooding regarding other agricultural chemicals is available in the department’s fact sheets:

Reducing the Impact of Flooding – Agricultural Chemicals

In addition to agricultural chemicals, those living in rural areas affected by flooding should take steps to secure propane and other fuel tanks. Additional information related to securing and preparing propane tanks is available in the department’s fact sheet,

Reducing the Impact of Flooding – Propane Tanks

To report an environmental emergency, including fuel spills, please contact the department’s spill line at 573-634-2436.

For more information, please visit the Environmental Services Program web site.