Policy on Herbicide Use

It is the policy of the San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy (SELC) as implementor of the Invasives Removal Project, to use herbicides only when and where they provide the most efficient and/or environmentally compatible method for removal of targeted invasive plant species requiring control.

Herbicides are used to eradicate invasive plants in a manner that ensures the safety of all individuals participating in or affected by herbicide use, that ensures the appropriate and effective application of herbicides as a management tool, and that minimizes the detrimental effects to the environment.

  1. Herbicides are used only in situations where benefits of controlling targeted "invasive" outweigh overall risks of using herbicides and other methods are prohibitively expensive, not effective, or more likely to cause unintended damage than the herbicide.
  2. An herbicide is used only in a manner consistent with its labeling.
  3. An herbicide is used only in compliance with all federal, state and local regulations, including those related to licensing and/or certification of applicators, use of protective and safety gear, and posting requirements.

When applying herbicides as part of the Invasive Removal Project, the SELC follows the procedures below in order to ensure the safety of all involved, :

  1. Prior to the use of any herbicide, the need for its use relative to management goals shall be described in the Invasives Removal Project Grant or in the Carlsbad Watershed Management Plan specific to the invasive plant.
  2. Only employees who are certified/licensed by state and/or local regulations, are authorized to apply herbicides.
  3. Standard safety practices for storage, mixing, transportation, disposal of containers and unused herbicide, and spill management are followed.
  4. Treated areas are posted and where possible closed to public access until they are judged safe for re-entry (or until the herbicide dries or for the minimum period required by the product label, whichever is longer). Posting is not required in most places, but where it is required (usually by local statute), place notices at points of entry or the perimeter of treated areas. Posting notices should include a statement that the area has been or will be treated, name of the herbicide, date of treatment, appropriate precautions to be taken or the date when re-entry is judged to be safe, and a phone number for additional information. Notices are removed after it is judged safe to re-enter the area.
  5. Investigations of herbicide related accidents and receipt of employee suggestions or complaints relating to safety and health issues involving herbicides will be used as a feedback mechanism that can be used to improve the program.
  6. Herbicide containers and related equipment are stored in a secure containment area away from people, animals and food. Herbicide containers will be stored closed and inspected periodically. Hazardous waste will be labeled appropriately and include accumulation start dates.
  7. Even if not required on product labels, employees and volunteers wear the following protective gear when mixing or applying herbicides:
    * rubber boots or other protective footgear used exclusively for this purpose.
    * protective clothing (long-sleeve shirts and long pants not used for other activities are sufficient, but disposable Tyvek suits should be provided if employees request them.
    * rubber gloves (Tyvek or nitrile gloves are preferred over neoprene.
    * safety glasses or goggles.
    * a properly fitted respirator.

For further information or questions regarding this policy, contact Doug Gibson at 760-436-3944.

 

References

Standard Operating Procedure - Herbicide Use. TNC Policy and Procedures Manual. July 1997