A detailed quantitative hydrological and chemical transport model was developed for assessing the risk of pesticides on aquatic ecosystems and drinking water.  The STORM Pesticide Model™ is an MS Excel based program that integrates hydrology and pond hydrodynamics with pesticide mass balance in continuous simulation at 6 minute increments.

This model was initially developed for a sensitive site to establish appropriate environmental management methods as no other similar tools are known to exist.  The model subsequently was subject to extensive review by national and international experts.  This project will essentially set the benchmark for new similar developments to achieve and it has highlighted the lack of industry knowledge of Pesticides.

The model predicts the behaviour of pesticide wash-off as it mixes with the proposed ponds and purpose-built wetlands on the course.  The hydrology engine drives the mass balance of pollutants that are washed off the catchment according to the pesticide application (rate and area).  Calculation of flow volumes and degradation characteristics produce final pond concentrations and outflow concentrations for various pesticides.  These are then compared with various water quality criteria to determine compliance in a risk management framework.  What results is the establishment of sustainable rates of pesticide application.

The model is to our knowledge the first of its kind in the world and can have a major impact on how pesticides are used in catchments draining to sensitive environments.