Retention ponds are vital stormwater management features that protect our waterways and support local ecosystems. Brookstone Outdoors takes a thoughtful, responsible approach to weed and vegetation management around retention ponds — because effective control and environmental stewardship aren't mutually exclusive.
Invasive and noxious weeds that colonize pond margins can destabilize banks, reduce water quality, and crowd out native vegetation that wildlife depends on. Left unmanaged, these aggressive species spread rapidly and ultimately do more damage to the pond ecosystem than a properly executed treatment program ever would.
Our licensed applicators are trained specifically in aquatic buffer zone restrictions and product selection. We use only herbicides approved for use near water, applied at label-compliant rates and distances, so your retention pond stays functional, compliant, and healthy — year after year.
Teammate Instructions
⚠️ RETENTION POND SPRAYING — READ BEFORE EVERY APPLICATION
Spraying near retention ponds is a legally regulated activity in Colorado. Non-compliance can result in fines, license suspension, or criminal charges. Follow these rules without exception on every job.
GOVERNING LAW & AUTHORITY
Retention pond and aquatic buffer spraying in Colorado is regulated by:
- Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) — Pesticide applicator licensing and label compliance (6 CCR 1002-3)
- Colorado Water Quality Control Act — Prohibits discharge of pollutants into state waters
- EPA Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) — The pesticide label is a federal legal document. Applying any product in a manner inconsistent with its label is a federal violation.
- Section 404 of the Clean Water Act — Applies if the pond connects to waters of the U.S.
WHAT YOU MUST KNOW BEFORE YOU SPRAY
- Check the product label — every time. The label will state whether the product is permitted near water. Look for language like "Do not apply directly to water," "Do not apply within X feet of water," or conversely, "Approved for aquatic use." If the label prohibits water contact or buffer violations, you must honor that restriction — no exceptions.
- Buffer zones are not suggestions. Most non-aquatic herbicides (e.g., standard glyphosate formulations, 2,4-D, triclopyr) require a minimum setback from the water's edge — typically 25–50 feet, but always defer to the product label. Do not estimate. Physically measure or step off the distance.
- "Aquatic-labeled" products only within the buffer or at the water's edge. If vegetation is growing directly in or at the water's edge and requires treatment, only products with an aquatic use label (e.g., Rodeo, AquaMaster, Renovate) may be used. Standard Roundup and similar products are NOT approved for this use even if the weeds are touching the water.
- Wind conditions are critical. Never spray near a retention pond when wind exceeds 10 mph or is blowing toward the water. Drift into the pond with a non-aquatic product is a label violation and a water quality violation simultaneously. If conditions are wrong, reschedule — do not improvise.
- No spray-and-walk-away near inlet/outlet structures. Inlets and outlets connect the pond to the broader stormwater system. Contamination introduced near these points can travel downstream. Give inlet/outlet structures extra clearance beyond the standard buffer.
- Dry pond conditions. If the pond contains no standing water at the time of application, document that observation in your spray record. Buffer restrictions on the product label still apply — a retention pond is a designated water feature regardless of current water level. Do not treat a dry pond as ordinary open ground. The reduced risk of direct water contamination does not eliminate your label obligations. If the label specifically addresses seasonal or intermittent water bodies, follow that language. If you are unsure whether reduced buffers are permissible given current conditions, call your supervisor before applying.
- Document everything. Colorado CDA requires licensed applicators to maintain spray records including: date, location, product name and EPA reg. number, rate applied, target pest, and weather conditions. For retention pond jobs, also note current water level (water present / partially dry / fully dry) and measured buffer distance. Fill out your application record completely before leaving the job.
WHAT TO DO
- ✅ Use aquatic-approved products for any vegetation at or within the buffer zone
- ✅ Verify wind speed and direction before starting — use the weather app
- ✅ Measure buffer distance; do not eyeball it
- ✅ Stay upwind of the pond during application
- ✅ Note current water level in your spray record on every retention pond job
- ✅ Complete your spray record on the same day as the application
- ✅ Report any accidental overspray or drift to your supervisor immediately
WHAT NOT TO DO
- 🚫 Do not apply non-aquatic products within the label-required buffer zone — ever
- 🚫 Do not spray if wind is blowing toward the water
- 🚫 Do not apply standard glyphosate (Roundup, etc.) at the water's edge or in the water
- 🚫 Do not treat a dry pond as ordinary open ground — buffer restrictions still apply
- 🚫 Do not assume a product is safe near water because you've used it before — read the label on every job
- 🚫 Do not skip the spray record because "it was a small job"
IF YOU'RE UNSURE
Stop. Call your supervisor before applying. It is always better to delay a treatment than to create a compliance violation. Ignorance of the label is not a legal defense.
