4/1/1981 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

HERBICIDE SPRAY PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR NELSON REVIEWED THE FOLLOWING MEMO: TO: Honorable Members of the ®ATE: March 23, 1981 FILE: Board of County Commissioners SUBJECT: 2.4-D Spray Program I 9 FROM: Neil A. Nelson, REFERENCES: County Administrat r As requested by the Board of County Commissioners, the Administration has reviewed the County's herbicide spray program. DESCRIPTION AND CONDITIONS Indian River County presently operates a herbicide program whicht utilizes the chemicals 2,4-D and Dalapon with a spreader/sticker. These materials are used to spray drainage ditches, around road signs and utility poles, and in canals (Dalapon only) to curtail the growth of water hyacinths and.cat tails. We are advised these materials are currently approved for these uses by the Florida Departments of Agriculture and Natural Resources. As required by Florida law, all applications of herbicide are made by the County's two licensed applicators. I ANALYSIS AND ALTERNATIVES Based upon review of the information and material available to this office, the Administration believes the present program does not represent a potential hazard to the environment. There are two chemicals which could be utilized rather than 2,4-D. Dupont's- "Velpar L" and Monsanto's "Found -up" would cost $35.00 and $32.00 per equivalent gallon, respectively; whereas 2,4-D costs $8.30 per gallon. A shift to either of the alternatives would result in an increase of estimated annual cost from approximately $5,200 to a minimum of $20,000. Each of the chemicals has different characteristics, effectiveness and residual effects. RECOMMENDATION AND- FUNDING Based upon our review and analysis, the Administration submits the following recommendations for the Board's consideration. 1. Continue present herbicide spray program. 2. Retain qualified individual or firm to act in an.. -.advisory capacity with specific responsibility to: a) conduct initial survey and inspections of spray program. b) provide advice regarding both materials/chemicals and appropriate mixing and application rates. �c) assist in training of spray crew regarding material use and application. -• d) be available, on a retainer basis, to provide periodic advice and guidance regarding the spray program, as needed. Estimated cost for the balance of FY 1980-81 is less than $1,000.00, with anticipated costs for FY 1981-82 being in the range of $1,200.00 to $1,800.00. Although not specifically provided in the Road and Bridge Division Budget, funds p are available and can be utilized for this purpose. 9981 It is requested the Board approve the above recommendatio Kand'' e tr Tin to proceed accordingly. -ZV U� 9