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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-11-2021 IPM Minutes w/ AttachmentINTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT SUB -COMMITTEE MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1225 MAIN STREET, SEBASTIAN, FL JANUARY 11, 2021 Call to Order -- The meeting was called to order by Mr. Benton at 2:00 p.m. Pledae of Alleaiance was recited by all. Roll call Present Dr. Cox Mr. Carrano Mr. Stadelman Ms. Callaghan (Zoom) Ms. Munroe (Zoom) Ms. Lovell (Zoom) Also Present: Ken Griffin, Stormwater Manager (Zoom) Brian Benton, Leisure Services Director Kim Haigler, Environmental Planner Barbara Brooke -Reese, MIS Manager Janet Graham, Technical Writer (Zoom) IV. ADDroval of Minutes — December 8, 2020 Chairman Benton asked if everyone had a chance to review the Minutes as presented. All indicated they had. Hearing no changes/corrections, Mr. Benton called for a motion. A motion approving the December 8, 2020 Minutes as presented was made by Mr. Carrano, seconded by Dr. Cox, and approved unanimously via voice vote. V. Announcements — None VI. Public Input Bob Stephen, Concha Drive, Sebastian. Thanked the Sub -Committee for including public input. VII. New Business A. Chemical Spreadsheet INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT SUB -COMMITTEE PAGE 2 MINUTES OF JANUARY 11, 2021 i. Review key features and organization ii. Discuss selection of chemicals listed Ms. Haigler stated the spreadsheet has been included in the agenda packets for this meeting. As were discussed at the last meeting, there are 17 classifications of chemicals that are approved for aquatic use in Florida. Any chemical used falls under one of those classifications. She reviewed each column on the spreadsheet and explained what that column contains. She pointed out that many of the chemicals listed are not even used presently. Mr. Benton called for questions or comments from the Sub -Committee members. He reminded everyone that this list is not finalized, and today the action item is for approval of how the chart is set up. Or Cox: • Regarding the December progress reports, there is listed only three or four different ingredients. He inquired if there are more that are going to be added and, if so, should those products that will be used going forward be also included in the list. Ms. Haigler stated the December treatment sheets will be discussed under the next agenda item. Mr. Griffin stated he likes the way the spreadsheet is set up. Mr. Benton called for public input. Diana Bolton, Sebastian. She stated that when the chemicals are approved for this list, she understands that some of these chemicals are to be used only under certain circumstances and in certain areas. She is concerned that, if a chemical is approved for use in another area of Florida, it might not be good for this area. She is also concerned that the solution to the pollution is spraying more chemicals, and If those chemicals no longer work, the solution to that is spraying extra chemicals because those plants are becoming chemical resistant. When chemicals are mixed, and if those chemicals are approved for the mixing, is that okay? There is something called the triage effect which is known in the medical profession where a doctor can prescribe a certain pharmaceutical drug and another specialist may prescribe another pharmaceutical drug, both of which are so-called safe, but when the two are mixed they become lethal. When chemicals are being mixed, is that a prescribed method? Does that kill another species of plant or animal that we do not want to kill? Does it stay in the environment longer when those are mixed? INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT SUB -COMMITTEE PAGE 3 MINUTES OF JANUARY 11, 2021 The other question she has is regarding weather restrictions. During certain times of the year spraying should not be done. She does not believe in spraying at all. She thinks it is the most expensive, unhealthy option possible. If spraying is going to be done, are the weather restrictions taken into consideration? A lot of chemicals have a label that states that they should not be sprayed under certain weather conditions. Bob Stephen, Concha Drive, Sebastian. He questioned whether this spreadsheet is going to be available to the public. He also suggested adding the toxicity of the chemicals on there so that the public understands that some of these are somewhat dangerous. He stated there should be some way of alerting the public to the use of these chemicals. He would like to see Hazmat symbols contained on the spreadsheet. Mr. Benton reminded the Sub -Committee that the action item is only to approve the chart, the organization and features of the chart. This Sub -Committee will get more into detail as it moves forward on the actual chemicals that are on the chart. Ms. Haigler stated that the label signal ward is included on the spreadsheet. Also, the EIQ number incorporates environmental and human health effects when that number is calculated. Regarding the information on the chemical table, limitations for uses and weather limitations are on the labels. So the licensed applicators consider those things when they apply the products. She explained that combining chemicals is actually a best management practice (BMP) for aquatic vegetation treatment because it increases the selectivity and reduces the amount of chemicals used, which is ideal. Mr. Benton called for comments/questions from the Sub -Committee members relating to the chemical spreadsheet. Dr. Cox Regarding the column labeled Field Use EIQ, he asked if that would answer Mr. Stephen's question about notifying folks about how potent or less potent these chemicals are. Ms. Haigler stated the labeled signal word is what is on the label, and the EIQ considers all of the environmental and health risks, and the Field Use EIQ is going to show its effects over time. There are a number of things that are going to show the toxicity that he is looking for that are already in the table. Dr. Cox suggested that there be something in a column on the spreadsheet with some type of a rating of how serious these products are and how less serious they are. This would save people from having to go somewhere else for that information. Mr. Benton stated as an example that, if a product is applied on an athletic field and the reentry period is 24 hours, the field has to remain closed, and there has to INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT SUB -COMMITTEE PAGE 4 MINUTES OF JANUARY 11. 2021 be signage posted so that people do not enter that field. Ms. Haigler stated these products are only being sprayed in the stormwater features on the inside of the shoreline. They are not being sprayed on the outside of the shoreline where people would be walking. Also, she said the only reentry consideration that is on these labels, because they are for aquatic use, is about swimming reentry. None of the City's stormwater is safe for swimming. Dr. Cox stated he is trying to come up with a way to inform people, without their having to go to the library, etc., that whatever chemical is being used is safe or unsafe. Dr. Cox stated there is nothing in the Field Use EIQ column. Mr. Benton reminded everyone that what is being discussed at this meeting pertains to the organization of the chart and what is included in the chart. This meeting is not to discuss the specific chemicals and the specific numbers. This is more about the layout of this chart. Ms. Munroe stated that she understands the concerns. She suggested that maybe what might be considered is putting a symbol of what the level of the label warning is, such as crossbones, etc. Just adding a symbol to the word might help. That way, even if people do not know what the word itself means, they will recognize the symbol. She added that the incidents of children or dogs running along the slope to the waterway is probably low. Ms. Haigler stated the spraying is primarily along the seawalls of the canals and the interiors of the ponds. Mr. Benton said staff will look at the symbols that are also on the labels, and they will be put in where the labeled signal words appear, and that will come back for discussion at the next meeting. The words and the symbols will both be on the chart. This being an action item, and there being no further comments from members of the Sub -Committee, Mr. Benton called for a motion. A motion to approve the spreadsheet with the additions as discussed above was made by Mr. Stadelman, seconded by Mr. Carrano, and passed unanimously via voice vote. B. Aquatic Vegetation Control 1st Month Summary Sites and species treated Ms. Haigler stated there are treatment sheets for December, the first month of the Aquatic Vegetation Control spraying contract. She stated the treatment was done along nine miles of the canal, including Hardee Park canal, Collier canal, the South Collier canal, and five of the main ponds, including the Garden Club Park pond, County pond, Schumann Lake pond, Tulip pond, and the Schumann Historic Park pond. She explained how she arrived at the figures on the PowerPoint presentation (SEE ATTACHED). Over time, that gives staff a good idea of what plants are the biggest problems. INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT SUB -COMMITTEE PAGE 5 MINUTES OF JANUARY 11, 2021 ii. Chemical use summary Ms. Haigler reviewed that there were 2.2 gallons of the adjuvants (additives) applied. Of the herbicides that were applied, there were 4.8 gallons, for a total of 7 gallons of total chemicals applied across the whole stormwater system. The cost was $1,438.00, which includes all of the costs involved, including manhours, equipment used, applicators, and the chemicals used. Mr. Benton emphasized that the figure that is shown includes everything for the operation; it is not the cost for herbicides and adjuvants. Ms. Haigler called for questions/comments from the Sub -Committee members. Dr. Cox: • Appreciated the clarification of the amounts used. He also inquired as to the Unit Code —the FL --what that means. Ms. Haigler stated that stands for fluid ounces. Mr. Benton explained that in the first column of the spreadsheet it shows what is directed on the label, and the second two columns at the end of the chart show what was actually applied. Ms. Haigler also stated that the main adjuvant used is basically just a vegetable oil. There being no further comments/questions from the Sub -Committee members, Mr. Benton called for public input on this portion of the agenda. Bob Stephen, Concha Drive, Sebastian. Questioned the amount of chemicals that were used and what the cost was. Ms. Haigler pointed out what was on the PowerPoint presentation, which showed that information. Regarding swimming, he asked if the City is going to post any of those areas. There is a swimming hole, and he related that some people would like to seethe swimming hole posted. He also asked W anybody is studying the mixture of chemicals that is used. He is of the opinion that the City should be more transparent with what is going to be used. Diana Bolton, Sebastian. Regarding the swimming, she is at the stor mwater park often, and there are dogs being walked there and children walking along the shoreline. Mr. Benton emphasized that those people and pets are not supposed to be in the water. Ms. Bolton stated it is a popular place to walk dogs. Mr. Benton stated it is a stonmwater treatment area first and foremost. Ms. Bolton stated City Council voted on having signage when spraying is done, and apparently that is not being done. Regarding the treatment sheets, she stated glyphosate is listed. She asked why it is on the approved list when other cities are banning this now. She also asked regarding the label signal word, which chemical is the worst. INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT SUB -COMMITTEE PAGE 6 MINUTES OF JANUARY 11, 2021 Seeing no one else from the public who wished to speak, and hearing no one on Zoom who wished to speak, Mr. Benton clarified some of the questions that were posed during public input. On the chart that is on everyone's screen, under ponds and canals, he emphasized and explained that those are fluid ounces, which equaled seven gallons total. He then called for comments/questions from the Sub -Committee members. Dr. Cox: • To be clear, he referenced the 320 fluid ounces is mixed with water for spraying. Mr. Benton said that when seven gallons total is mentioned, that is seven gallons of concentrate. That does not include the water that has to be mixed with the chemicals. Hearing nothing further from the Sub -Committee members, Mr. Benton moved to the next item on the agenda. VIII Old Business A. Applied Aquatics 2-Year Summary I. Sites and species treated ii. Chemical use summary Ms. Haigler stated there is only a month of data available, as Aquatic Vegetation Control (AVC)just began spraying. She explained the two-year data that is available from Applied Aquatics (SEE ATTACHED), which covers 2018-19. She reviewed that, as staff sees the problem areas grow, they can start looking at what is needed to address them. Besides spraying, maybe one of these is the next one that needs a project. The Twin Ditches is an example. There was a lot of work done there that will mitigate much of the need for spraying. She explained the amount of the different products that were applied over the two-year period. She pointed to the copper that was used. She spoke to Aquatic Vegetation Control regarding copper, and they said they absolutely do not use copper for the reason that it accumulates in the soil. For both years using Applied Aquatics, the average cost for both years was $25,000.00. It is projected that the cost will be approximately the same for the new contract. Mr. Benton called for comments/questions from the Sub -Committee members. Dr. Cox: INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT SUB -COMMITTEE PAGE 7 MINUTES OF JANUARY 11, 2021 • Regarding the copper question, he spoke to an employee of Applied Aquatics regarding copper. That employee told Dr. Cox that they use copper, and there is no problem with it. Mr. Stadelman • Asked if the public is notified when spraying is to be done. He questioned if there could be a process instituted where certain people along the canals can be notified when spraying is to be done. Mr. Griffin stated the City currently does not notify the public when spraying is to be done along the canals. He stated that weather conditions dictate whether spraying is going to be done. He will look into a way to provide that notification, at the very least on the website. He will report back at the next meeting on what he finds. Mr. Benton stated that signage is a requirement in the City parks, and he suggested that is something that can be looked into in the Stonnwater IPM Plan. He stated it will be more difficult regarding the stormwater plan because of the distance being covered. Dr. Cox suggested that the IT staff is able to generate the names and addresses of all the residents along the canals and around the ponds. Then the City can send out a postcard that says there will likely be spraying in a certain neighborhood, and then list the date(s). Ms. Haigler stated that the applicators do not know until they get out there what they are going to be spraying. Also, they do not know the weather conditions. Dr. Cox would like to see the postcards contain information on how to contact the City staff in order to get more information. He wants this information to come directly from the City telling the residents who live around these canals and ponds what is planned to be done and when. Ms. Callaghan: • Stated that from what she sees on the PowerPoint, she would like to see a little more detailed information that can be included about application rates and whether the products have been combined in some way, whether there has been greater success or less success in how the treatment was applied. Ms. Haigler stated the applicators do not have follow-up on their treatment sheets. These are professionals in the field, and they make their decisions on a number of factors, including the pH, water temperature, etc. Mr. Gruen added that the first report for December from the new contractor has the details that are being requested. What is being looked at right now is the work that Ms. Haigler has done to summarize two years of work by the previous contractor. She has been highlighting that work. The details that are being asked about will show up on the INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT SUB -COMMITTEE PAGE 8 MINUTES OF JANUARY 11. 2021 individual reports that will begotten from the new contractor. Ms. Callaghan stated that will be helpful. Mr. Benton stated that the City just received the December information from Aquatic Vegetation Control this past Friday. That information will be going out to the Sub - Committee members later today or tomorrow so that they can see the actual sheets that come into the City with their report and their invoice. This information will also be posted on the City's website. There being no further comments/questions from the Sub - Committee members, Mr. Benton opened the meeting for public input on the Applied Aquatics two-year summary. Bob Stephen, Concha Drive, Sebastian. He would like to know how many gallons have to be sprayed on the canals. The seven -gallon figure should be clarified. He inquired about the swimming hole and the parks --what is being sprayed at those places. Mr. Griffin stated that a total of 4.8 gallons of herbicide in the month of December for all stormwater facilities was used. That amount is tracked along with the number of gallons of adjuvants. Diana Bolton, Sebastian. Regarding spraying, she asked what the City is being charged per month and how does that work out per year. She asked what the $1,438.50 per month represents. She asked if that is just for the gallons used. Mr. Benton stated that Ms. Haigler already explained what the cost was. The cost for the month of December included manhours, equipment, herbicides, adjuvants, gas/diesel. Everything that could possibly be needed is included in that $1,438.50 for December. Ms. Bolton asked if they are spraying on an as -need basis, do they have incentives to spray less or do they have incentives to spray more so they can charge more, and how do they know where it is needed. Mr. Benton stated the City stormwater staff is in communication with the contractor, especially in regard to the December and January treatments on the areas that needed the most treatment. Regarding the comment that was made regarding the City's parks, any time the parks are treated now there is an IPM Plan that has to be followed in the City's parks and in the park property. What happens in the waterways is under the Stormwater Department's purview. It is Mr. Benton's responsibility to ensure that staff is following the parks IPM Plan. Notice is posted in the parks when spraying is done in the parks. Having been asked about Hardee Park not being posted, Mr. Benton stated that the stormwater canal is not considered in the Parks and Properties IPM Plan. There being no further comments/discussion on this agenda item, Mr. Benton moved to the next item on the agenda. INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT SUB -COMMITTEE PAGE 9 MINUTES OF JANUARY 11.2021 IX. Sub -Committee Member Matters Dr. Cox: Reviewed that at the last meeting he inquired whether there could be a representative from AVC come and answer questions about what they are doing. Instead of that, Mr. Griffin suggested Dr. Cox give him the questions that he has about the AVC contract. Dr. Cox put together a set of questions which he gave to Mr. Griffin, Mr. Benton, and Ms. Haigler. The one question that Dr. Cox deems most important is regarding the conversation he had with one of the contractor's applicators in December. He was told at that time that AVC's motto is "control and maintain." Dr. Cox is asking for a clear definition of what is meant by control and maintain when it comes to doing their work. He added that there is a mixture of invasive species growing on the banks behind his house. When that area is sprayed, the vegetation turns to a brown mush and then very quickly comes back. If the idea of control and maintain is to wipe out invasives and hope that the native plants will come back, he does not believe that will happen. He is of the opinion that there has got to be a better way to deal with this other than coming back and spraying with chemicals. Mr. Griffin replied that he will spend some more time responding to Dr. Cox regarding those three questions. He will copy Mr. Benton and Ms. Haigler on that. X. Staff Matters — None XI. Items for Next Aaenda A. Review new sections of Plan for approval Mr. Benton said staff will continue to make adjustments on the spreadsheet. He will ask Sub -Committee members to look at the chemical spreadsheet that was passed out at this meeting and to come back at the next meeting with comments/questions XII. Adjournment There being no further business, �,Mr. Benton adjourned the meeting at 3:15 p.m. Bv_ T�tls F Date: '3/(Z/al1Ll 19 // / WSSA ACTIVE LABELED ACTIVE INGREDIENT ACTION TRADE NAME EPA REG. # RESISTANCE INGREDIEN SIGNAL EIQ MGT. GROUP T(S) WORD Alkanolamide adjuvant Cohere NA NA 90.007 warning NA methelated seed oil adjuvant Alligare MSO 1 NA NA 100.00% caution 30.9 polyacrylamide adjuvant Accuracy NA NA 30% warning NA Polycontrol 2 D-limonene adjuvant Kammo Plus NA NA 100% warning NA polyoxlkane ethers adjuvant Induce NA NA 90% warning NA Bispyribac herbicide Tradewind (powder) 59639-165 2 80% caution 11.47 Carfentrazone herbicide Stingray 279-3279-67690 14 21.3% caution 20.18 Speedzone 2217-833 28.6% Copper herbicide, copper sulfate 56576-1 NA 99% danger 69.83 algaecide (crystals) Diquat herbicide Tribune 100-1390 22 37.307 acute 39.2 Reward 100-1091 Endothall hebicide Aquathol 70506-176 Unknown 40.307o danger 25.22 Florpyrauxifen herbicide ProcellaCOR SC 67690-79 4 26.507o caution NA Clipper Clipper Flumioxazin herbicide Schooner 14 caution 23.97 Semera (granule) 59639-120-91234 51% Fluridone herbicide Avast 67690-30 12 41.7 caution 8.67 Glyphosote herbicide Roundup Custom 9 53.807o caution 15.33 AquaNeat 228-365 Imazamox herbicide Clearcast 241-437-67690 2 12.1057o caution 19.52 Imazapyr herbicide PolarisAQ 241-426-228 2 28.707 caution 22.3 Penoxsulam herbicide Galleon SC 67690-47 2 21.707 caution 18.72 Peroxides algaecide GreenCleenPRO 70299-15 Unclassified 85% danger 16 Sethoxydim herbicide Segment 7969-88 1 13% caution 20.89 Topramezone herbicide Oasis 7969-339-67690 27 29.707 caution 27.17 Triclopyr herbicide Garlon 3A 62719-37 4 44.40% danger 11 Weedar 64 (liquid) 71368-1 46% 20.67 2, 4-D herbicide 4 Rugged (liquid) 1381-247 38.4% danger 16.67 APPLICATION RATE LBS PER ACRE 200-400 ppb 6-12 oz/acre 8-15ppb FIELD USE EIQ A TARGET CLASS TARGET SPECIES spreader, sticker NA NA surfactant NA NA deposition & drift NA NA retardant surfactant NA NA wetter, spreader NA NA systemic, selective submersed, floating Hydrilla contact, selective emergent, floating Primrose, Water Lettuce,Hyacinth contact, non -selective submersed algae contact, non -selective submersed, emergent hyacinth, water lettuce, floating salvinia, mosquito fern contact/systemic, non- submersed hydrilla, filementous algae selective systemic, non -selective submersed, emergent, hydrilla, hyacinth, floating primrose, watermilfoil algal mats, hydrilla, contact, non -selective submersed, emergent, cabomba, water lettuce, floating duckweed, salvinia, spatterdock, water lilly systemic, non -selective submersed hydrilla, duckweed systemic, non -selective emergent, floating grasses, cattail, primrose, tussocks systemic, selective submersed, emergent, cattail, wild taro, hyacinth floating systemic, non -selective emergent tussocks, cattail, torpedo - grass, rush, melaleuca systemic emergent, floating, hydrilla, hyacinth submersed contact, non -selective submersed, algae planktonic algae, esp. blue-green systemic, selective emergent grasses systemic submersed hydrilla, hyacinth brazilian pepper, systemic submersed, emergent broadleaf, hyacinch, water milfoil systemic, selective submersed, emergent, milfoil, hyacinth floating LOCAL USE? COST (only includes cost of product) COST RATING/ 1,000 ft' (only includes cost of product)