Proposed Dates of Use: (POSTPONED) April 30th, 2024 – May 7th, 2024; as weather conditions and operational factors permit 

Street Address/Site Name: Various Storm Water Utility Stations & Public Works Corp Yard located at 1717 Fifth Street. 

Detailed Location of Application Site: Driveways, fence lines and infrastructure in the following locations:

• SDS #1
• SDS #2 
• SDS #3 at H St
• SDS #4 
• SDS #5 One mile South of I80 in bypass, North and South side of station
• SDS #6 SE side of Richards BLVD underpass
• SDS #7 at Sutter Davis
• SDS #8 at Evergreen Pond 
• SDS#9 on Cannery Loop
• 1717 Fifth St Public Works Facility

All application areas are closed to the public and herbicide use will be limited to areas that do not allow for other methods.

Posting and Notification: Site notifications will be posted at least 48 hours before application at site entrances and will remain posted for 24 hours post-treatment, and via the pesticide application electronic notification system.  

Pesticide Products: Capstone, Lifeline, MSO Surfactant

Product (W/ active ingredients): CAPSTONE - Aminopyralid 2.22% Triclopyr 16.22%
EPA Reg #: 62719-572
Pesticide Type: Herbicide
City Use Type: Tier 2. Less Hazardous. Less Restrictive

Product (W/ active ingredients): LIFELINE - Glufosinate-ammonium  24.5% 
EPA Reg #: 70506-310 (CAS No.77182-82-2)
Pesticide Type: Herbicide
City Use Type: Tier 3. Least Hazardous. Least Restrictive 

Product (W/ active ingredients): MSO Surfactant: Methylated vegetable oil, alcohol ethoxylate, phosphatidylcholine 100%
CAS No. 97281-47-5
Pesticide Type: Herbicide
City Use Type: Tier 2. Less Hazardous. Less Restrictive

Target Pests: Annual grasses, pepperweed, short-pod mustard, yellow star thistle, Mare’s Tail, Russian thistle, Stinkwort, Prickly Lettuce, fluvellin, other broad-leaf annual weeds

Pepperweed is of particular concern because there is currently no reliable method of control without herbicides. Mechanical cultivation or hand hoeing are not effective because the plant can reproduce from vegetative material and these methods can increase the infestation. Additionally, this plant can cause damage to stations and well sites as it’s large, tuberous roots can undermine pipes, foundations and other facilities. Other weeds, including yellow star thistle, provide significant fuel for fire, burning hotter than grasses due to a high oil content.  

Justification for Use: Staff require safe access to these critical infrastructure facilities year-round. The weedy vegetation poses a risk to crucial infrastructure at the pump stations as the weeds are able to germinate and root along edges and in cracks, in time undermining the integrity of the facility. Additionally, these sites can become overgrown with vegetation during the wet season due to regular inputs of new seeds from the surrounding landscapes. Fire is a significant management concern, especially in areas near train tracks or where illegal camping takes place. This proposed application will keep the inside of these facilities free from vegetation, significantly reducing the risk of damage in the event of a fire. 

Explanation of IPM Methods Used: Staff are able to manage other Public Works facilities exclusively with non-chemical control methods including mowing, trimming, hoeing, and hand pulling. 

Strategies to Prevent Future Applications:

• Spray timing is critical to effective control and reduced use over time. The proposed timing of the spray is BEFORE annual grass seeds set, preventing another generation of weed growth.
• Stations with asphalt surfaces will be crack-sealed this summer to prevent future infestations in those areas.
• Double-check surrounding areas during dry months to make sure no irrigation overspray is affecting conditions. 
• Keep sites and stations maintained to prevent flooding of access areas and deposition of weed seeds. 
• Practice responsible vehicle access during wet months to prevent road damage and the need for repair work that is a vector for invasive species. 
• Clean and maintain all equipment before and after use to prevent the transfer of seeds and plant materials between sites and/or into sensitive areas. 
• Continue to promote the use of tree canopy to shade conveyance channels and prevent weed growth that blocks flow. 

More information on the IPM Program, including the current Policies and Procedures guidance, can be found on the City's webpage: Integrated Pest Management