Nova Scotia Sonic Device Policy - Wildlife Deterrent

Wednesday, August 18, 2021

NSDA would like to make sure producers are aware of the Nova Scotia Sonic Device Policy. This policy was developed by the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture to provide recommendations on best practices for the use of sonic devices on farms for the purpose of protecting crops, while minimizing their impact on neighbours and the public. Sonic Devices are tools used to minimize wildlife predation on crops by emitting a loud audible noise that frightens wildlife away from the crop. This policy applies to all farms utilizing sonic devices on land in Nova Scotia for the protection of crops.

As an owner of a sonic device, you or a designate must check the device at least once per week to ensure proper operation, and in particular must check all of the following:

  1. the volume level at which the device is set;
  2. the times during which the device is programmed to be in use; and
  3. the frequency at which the device is being fired. 

An owner of a sonic device or the owner’s designate must provide the name, address, telephone number and e-mail address of each person who uses the sonic device to the Department of Agriculture Regional Office that is nearest to the owner’s location.   Please read the attached Sonic Device Policy to become familiar with the proper use of the device and make sure to register your device with your nearest Department of Agriculture Regional Office.


As published in The Royal Gazette, Wednesday, February 13, 2019

NOVA SCOTIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Farm Practices Act

 

Sonic Devices Policy

 

Policy Statement

Sonic Devices are tools used by farmers to minimize bird predation on crops, by emitting a loud audible noise that frightens birds away from the crop.

This document was developed by the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture (NSDA) to provide recommendations on best practices for the use of sonic devices on farms for the purpose of protecting crops, while minimizing their impact on neighbours and the public.

 

Application

This policy applies to all farms utilizing sonic devices on land in Nova Scotia for the protection of crops.

This policy serves as a reference to NSDA staff in advising producers on the appropriate usage of sonic devices.

 

Accountability

Minister - The Minister of Agriculture is responsible to approve all policy changes and for establishing criteria relating to sonic device use.

Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture Staff - provide information in regard to this policy.

Owners - The owner or owner’s designate of all new and existing farming operations are responsible for adhering to this policy for the use of sonic devices.

Monitoring

 

NSDA will periodically review the policy to ensure it is meeting the needs of the farm community and industry best practices.

 

Definitions

 

In this policy,

“activation” of a sonic device means two or three firings from the device within a 30-second period.

“directional sonic device” means a sonic device that emits most of its generated sound in one general direction.

“firing” means a discharge of sound from a sonic device;

“in use” in relation to a sonic device means being fired or ready for immediate firing;

“sonic device” means any machinery that is able to produce sound and is used to protect crops from birds and other animals.

 

Directives

 

1. An owner of a sonic device or the owner’s designate must check the device at least once per week to ensure proper operation, and in particular must check all of the following:

a. the volume level at which the device is set;

b. the times during which the device is programmed to be in use;

c. the frequency at which the device is being fired.

2. An owner of a sonic device or the owner’s designate must provide the name, address, telephone number and e- mail address of each person who uses the sonic device to the Department of Agriculture through the regional office, or the Department that is nearest to the owner’s location.

 

Guidelines

1. There should be a distance of at least 175 m (575 ft.) between a sonic device and any of the following, if it is set to emit sound above 100 decibels:

a. a private dwelling other than the property on which the sonic device is located;

b. a public road or public pathway.

2. For a sonic device that is set to emit sound of 100 decibels or less, the minimum separation distance may be reduced to125 m (410 ft.).

3. There should be a distance of at least 75 m (245 ft.) between any two sonic devices in use.

4. Directional sonic devices should not be pointed in line with a crop row, or in the direction of any of the following:

a. a private dwelling;

b. a public road or public pathway.

5. Where practical, sonic devices should be moved weekly so birds and animals do not get use to their location.

6. A sonic device should be fired only during the period between 30 minutes before sunrise and 30 minutes after sunset.

7. The maximum frequency at which a sonic device should be fired is either:

a. 1 activation every 5 minutes; or

b. 12 activations every hour.

8. A farmer may obtain written consent from their neighbours to a shorter minimum distance than indicated above.

9. Minimum separation distances may be reduced if there are no private dwellings, public roads or public pathways adjacent to the farm property, or a large buffer exists (example trees, hill, watercourse) that will buffer the noise.

References

Nova Scotia Farm Practices Act

Nova Scotia Farm Practices Board Regulations

Enquiries

Agricultural Resource Coordinator

Regional Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture Offices

February 13-2018