Report Prepared by: Jeremy Geiger, PWS - Water Quality Control Division
Title
SUBJECT: Authorization to Adopt and Implement the Integrated Pest Management Policy as Required by the Central Valley Water Board (CVWB), Order Number R5-2017-0057
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers authorizing to adopt and implement the policies set forth in the City of Merced’s Integrated Pest Management Policy as required by the CVWB, Order Number R5-2017-0057.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion approving the proposed Integrated Pest Management Policy as a City-wide policy for the internal and external use of pesticides on City-owned property.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommend by Staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to other than recommended by Staff; or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Refer to Staff for reconsideration of specific items; or,
5. Continue to a future meeting.
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the FY 22/23 adopted budget.
DISCUSSION
Pyrethroid pesticides are impacting aquatic life in surface waters in the Sacramento and San Joaquin River watersheds of the Central Valley. A pyrethroid is an organic compound similar to the natural pyrethrins, which are produced by the flowers of pyrethrums (Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium and C. coccineum). Pyrethroids are used as commercial and household insecticides.
On February 7, 2022, the City of Merced submitted a Pyrethroid Management Plan (Plan) to comply with the requirements established by the Amendment to the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento River and San Joaquin River Basins for the Control of Pyrethroid Pesticide Discharges (Resolution R5-2017-0057) (Pyrethroid Basin Plan Amendment (BPA)) and the July 13, 2020 Order to submit technical and monitoring reports pursuant to California Water Code Sections 13267 and 13383 issued to the City of Merced (Order).
The Pyrethroid BPA and Order require that the Plan identify a set of management practices that, taken as a whole, may be reasonably expected to effectively reduce pyrethroid levels in discharges. The Pyrethroid BPA and Order also list management practices which must be considered for inclusion in a Plan and require justification regarding the discharger’s decision whether to select or not select each practice listed. The Plan is also required to include a description of progress reporting, description of adaptive management, and consideration of replacement insecticides for pyrethroids.
The City of Merced is required by the Central Valley Water Board to develop and implement a City Council approved Integrated Pest Management Policy per the Plan and pursuant to the Water Board Pyrethroid BPA and Order, Section 3, Item E.1.ii.
Staff is requesting Council approve and adopt the attached Plan pursuant to state requirements.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
None.
ATTACHMENTS
1. City of Merced Integrated Pest Management Policy - DRAFT
2. City of Merced Pyrethroid Management Plan - DRAFT
3. Resolution R5-2017-0057 (Pyrethroid BPA)
4. Order to Submit Technical & Monitoring Reports_7-13-2020
5. CVWB_Pyrethroid Plan Review_5-24-22