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1 RiversideCA.gov
1 RiversideCA.gov
GLYPHOSATE-BASED PRODUCTS AND
ALTERNATIVE METHODS FOR WEED CONTROL
Land Use, Sustainability and Resilience Committee
January 8, 2023
Public Works Department
RiversideCA.gov
2 • May 8, 2023 – Committee received update on the use
of glyphosate
Requested clarified locations where glyphosate-based
products are used by Public Works
Requested weed abatement alternatives
BACKGROUND
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2 RiversideCA.gov
3 • Public Works applies glyphosate-based products using best practices
– By hand using a backpack sprayer or hose connected to slow- moving vehicle
– Large areas (like medians) treated using a truck-mounted sprayer – Notify daycares and schools prior to spraying and schedule work when school is not in session
– No spraying when winds exceed 5 MPH
– 1% solution used
• 1 gallon of Roundup mixed into 100 gallons of water
– Dye added to make application visible
BEST PRACTICES
RiversideCA.gov
4 • Medians and Parkways
• 400 acres
• Sprayed using a truck-mounted sprayer or by worker
on foot using a backpack sprayer
WEED ABATEMENT LOCATIONS
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5 • Victoria Avenue - 60 acres
• Myrtle Avenue to La Sierra Avenue
WEED ABATEMENT LOCATIONS
• Glyphosate-based products used for general weed
control
• Non-glyphosate product used around Ragged Robin
Roses - does not harm plant root system
• Volunteer groups pull weeds
and work in garden areas
along the Avenue
RiversideCA.gov
6 WEED ABATEMENT LOCATIONS
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7 1. Manual removal
– Weeds need to be pulled/cut about
every 2 weeks
– Public Works WRP crews perform only
manual weed abatement (shovels and
string trimmers)
• Crews work in large areas along roads
such as Mission Inn Ave near Redwood
and along Central Ave near the 215 Fwy
– 10-12 full-time personnel would be
required for Victoria Avenue only
ALTERNATIVE WEED CONTROL METHODS
RiversideCA.gov
8 2. Thermal weed control
– Flame weeding can be effective on
weeds grown in expansion joints/cracks
• Should not be used where mulch, plants,
or structures are present
– Steam or hot foam
• Requires special equipment and training
• Can cause severe burns
• Foaming agent may take up to 36 hours
to dissipate
ALTERNATIVE WEED CONTROL METHODS
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9 3. Alternative herbicides
– Acid- or salt-based
• More applications required
• Lower dilution rates (more product per gallon
of water)
• Costly – Public Works costs during moratorium
increased 400%
• Organic herbicides can be toxic to applicator
– Household vinegar = 5% acetic acid
– Horticultural vinegar = 10-20% acetic acid
» Concentrations over 11% can cause burns upon skin contact
ALTERNATIVE WEED CONTROL METHODS
RiversideCA.gov
10 4. Hardscape
– Replace landscaped areas with pavers,
concrete, DG, river rock, etc.
– Spray irrigation needs to be converted to drip or
bubbler
– Plants and soil removed
ALTERNATIVE WEED CONTROL METHODS
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11 Strategic Priority 2 – Community Well-Being
Goal 2.3: Strengthen neighborhood identities and improve community health and the physical environment through amenities and programs that foster an increased sense of community and enhanced feelings of pride and belonging citywide.
Cross-Cutting Threads
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
RiversideCA.gov
12 That the Land Use, Sustainability, and Resilience Committee receive and file an update from the Public Works Department regarding the use of glyphosate.
RECOMMENDATION
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