NPDES2021
DATE: JUNE 14, 2022
DEPARTMENT: PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
FROM: DAVID JACOBS, P.E., L.S. - PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR BY: HEIDI NIGGEMEYER - STORMWATER PROGRAM MANAGER
TITLE: INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT (IPM) POLICY
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
A motion to approve a Resolution adopting an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Policy for the City of Salinas.
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that City Council approve a resolution to adopt an IPM policy for the application of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers (PHFs) throughout the City of Salinas.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The City’s current NPDES Permit, adopted in September 2019, requires the City to adopt and implement an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) policy requiring the minimization of pesticide, herbicide, and fertilizer (PHF) use and requiring the use of IPM at City-owned or operated facilities and activities. The City is also required, once the IPM policy is adopted, to develop a Pesticide Reduction Plan that includes quantifiable targets for the reduction in use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. Additionally, as the proposed policy addresses, all City staff and contractors who apply PHFs within the City must be trained in IPM practices, as well as the IPM policy. The proposed IPM policy and the eventual Pesticide Reduction Plan address the requirements indicated in the City’s NPDES permit.
BACKGROUND:
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a pest management strategy that focuses on pest prevention strategies with minimum impact on human health, the environment, and nontarget organisms. For the past 50 years, pest management has relied heavily on synthetic chemical pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. Chemical runoff into local waterways can cause severe problems for species in the aquatic environment. Reliance on pesticide use has cause several issues in pest management, including damaging non-pest populations, and increase in the number of pests resistant to pesticides, and new organisms becoming pests. The purpose of an IPM policy is to provide a systematic, transparent, and environmentally responsible approach for implementing pest control measures. For this report, the term “pesticide” encompasses pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers and the term “pesticide” and PHF can be used synonymously to refer to these chemical-based treatments.
The City of Salinas was issued its current stormwater NPDES permit from the California Regional Water Quality Control Board - Central Coast Region (Water Board) on October 1, 2019, Order R3-2019-0073, NPDES No. CA0049981. Section M, Municipal Maintenance, outlines various requirements for the management and use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers (PHF) at City facilities. The NPDES permit requires the implementation of IPM procedures to reduce the City’s application of pesticides, minimize the use of toxic chemicals that may discharge into waterways, and the adoption/implementation of an IPM Policy. Procedures established within the proposed IPM Policy will set the framework for pest management within the City. Once adopted, an all-encompassing Pesticide Reduction Plan will be developed to address specific pests and establish quantifiable reduction goals. The adoption of this policy will establish specific plans that reduce chemical pesticide use and evaluate the use of “green” alternatives, thereby protecting public health and the environment.
The City is establishing an IPM Policy to move towards a more holistic and less environmentally toxic approach to pest management. An IPM approach will only use pesticides when alternative controls are not feasible or are ineffective. Salinas’ policy includes the following goals:
Create awareness among City staff and the local community to IPM benefits and techniques Ensure all City staff and contractors that utilize pesticides in their duties are trained in IPM practices and have reviewed the proposed IPM Policy and procedures before pesticides are applied Conduct effective pest management that minimizes public health and environmental risk by limiting or eliminating pesticides application at City maintained facilities.
Establish and maintain standardized record keeping and reporting for PHF use at City maintained facilities Increase transparency around pesticide use and areas treated for the public and City staff Produce an annual report showing pesticide use and evaluate progress in achieving PHF reductions A primary outcome of the IPM Policy is an overall reduction in pesticide application at all City-owned or operated facilities. Once the IPM Policy is adopted by the City Council, a Pesticide Reduction Plan will be developed including procedures for implementation of the IPM Policy, the application of pesticides throughout the City, the evaluation of “green” alternatives, and quantifiable milestones for reduction in City pesticide use.
CEQA CONSIDERATION:
Not a Project. The City of Salinas has determined that the proposed action is not a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (CEQA Guidelines Section 15378).
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
Adoption of the IPM Policy addresses the City Council’s goal of Infrastructure and Environmental Sustainability.
DEPARTMENTAL COORDINATION:
Overall execution of the IPM policy and Pesticide Reduction Plan will rely on coordination between Public Works (Wastewater, Streets, Assessments Districts, Airport, and NPDES Divisions) and Parks and Community Services.
FISCAL AND SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT:
The presentation of the IPM Policy is a NPDES requirement and has no fiscal impact.
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution
Draft IPM Policy
Page | 3
Page | 1
CITY OF SALINASCOUNCIL STAFF REPORTCITY OF SALINASCOUNCIL STAFF REPORT
CITY OF SALINAS
COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
CITY OF SALINAS
COUNCIL STAFF REPORT