Glyphosate is a broad-spectrum systemic herbicide and crop desiccant and is the most commonly used herbicide in the US. In California over 25 million pounds of glyphosate product were applied in 2017. Several lawsuits were awarded in the millions of dollars to people harmed by exposure to glyphosate.
Sustainably Committee’s Role
On November 22, 2021, the Sustainability Advisory Committee made
recommendations to the City Council on the temporary
phasing out of the use of glyphosate-based herbicides for the evaluation of biologically sound alternatives to weed control by Public Works.
Glyphosate
It's time to round up
The following concerns are why we find this topic worthy of Committee time:
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Studies have concluded that glyphosate poses a potential risk to wildlife. Identified in March 2017 by International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as an animal carcinogen and probable human carcinogen.
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Added to the Prop 65 list (right-to-know law).
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November 12, 2021, EPA released Final Biological Evaluation for Glyphosate that led to a “Likely to Adversely Affect” determination.
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Documented risk to applications in work-related incidences.
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Potential legal and reputational risks have led many cities and states in the US and abroad to ban or heavily restrict use of glyphosate-based products.
Concerns & Hazaards of Glyphosate Use
Our Recommendations
The City is moving forward with a study.
If these recommendations are determined technically infeasible or ineffective the SAC in collaboration with City Council and Public Works Department will submit a statement to document as such and will make all efforts for the public to be aware of the human and ecological health threats the restricted use of glyphosate-based products produce.
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