County Roads Department Investigated for Use of Prohibited Pesticides Near Wellheads: Part I

Pesticide Episode Incident Report Reveals Numerous Incriminating Details Discovered During Investigation of County Roads Department Roadside Right-of-Way Vegetation Control Program.

Investigation Conducted by County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office Exposes Multiple Violations by County Roads Department of the California Code of Regulations for Wellhead Protection, Groundwater Protection, General Standards of Care, and Protection of Persons, Animals, and Property.

The visible strip of dead vegetation is the result of prohibited use, in March 2016, of preemergent pesticides for control of vegetation in the roadside draining facilities by the County Roads Department. Note the proximity of the wellhead’s storage tank to the roadway’s edge, and the wide strip of dead vegetation. (Photo April 26, 2016)

Published: 6 February 2018–2020 PST (Rev. 12 April 2018–0115 PST)

Table of Contents

• Chapter 1: Preemergent Pesticides
• Chapter 2: California Code of Regulations (CCR) and California Food and Agriculture Code (FAC)
• Chapter 3: Overview
• Chapter 4: Findings Narrative (Senior Agricultural Biologist, County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office)
• Chapter 5: Chronology: May 2004 — March 2015
• Chapter 6: Chronology: January 2016— December 2017
• Appendix A: Violations of California Code of Regulations (Title 3. Food and Agriculture) Division 6. Pesticides and Pest Control Operations
• Appendix B: Violation of California Food and Agriculture Code (FAC)

Next: County Roads Department Investigated for Use of Prohibited Pesticides Near Wellheads: Part II