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Class A Foam, Wetting Agent & Agricultural Land
There has been growing concern regarding the effects of
class A foam and wetting agent on organic and organically
certified agriculture. CFA Operations has completed a project
that researched the effects that class A foam and wetting
agent have on organic and organically certified agriculture.
A review of class A foam and wetting agent established that
these fire suppressants are relatively benign when confined
to land. However, there is potential for adverse impacts
on aquatic environments from entry of class A foam and wetting
agent.
The application of class A foam and wetting agent on organic
agriculture will result in de-certification of all or part
of an organically certified premises. If class A foam and/or
wetting agent is applied to an organically certified property,
property owners must contact their certifying organisation
to arrange suspension of the affected area. Certification
can be regained once they again meet the requirements of
the National Standard for Organic and Biodynamic Produce
(NSOBDP) 2002.
The CFA Act 1958 states that CFA can use the most appropriate
and effective fire suppression method required (including
class A foam and wetting agent) during an incident for the
protection of life and property (be it on organic agriculture
or any other environment). Further to this, organic organisations
and the Australian Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS) have
stated that the use of class A foam and wetting agent should
not be inhibited given the circumstances of its use. The “Important
Information” section within the NSOBDP 2002 states
that farm operators must comply with government and state
laws (such as CFA Act 1958).
A CFA corporate policy outlining CFA’s position on
the use of class A foam and wetting agent within agricultural
land has been approved. The policy supports the continued
use of class A foam and wetting agent following current legislation,
Chief Officer’s Standing Orders and Standard Operating
Procedures. However, use of class A foam and wetting agent
should only occur where it is believed to be the best medium
for the task.
If and where possible, CFA will attempt to avoid the use
of class A foam and wetting agent in organically certified
areas.
CFA Operations have developed a brochure for property owners
to:
- Provide details regarding the use of class A foam and
wetting agent in agricultural environments;
- Outline CFA’s position on the use of class A foam
and wetting agent; and
- Understand what to do if class A foam is applied to your
property.
CFA encourages Victorian organic and organically certified
property owners to notify their local CFA brigades of their
organic or organically certified status along with their
location. The addition of signs at property entrances identifying
a property as organic or organically certified would also
be of benefit.
For further details on the project, please contact m.fraser@cfa.vic.gov.au.
See also: On The Land - Agricultural Fire Management Guidelines
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