HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 8.2 Light Brown Apple Moth
CITY CLERK
File # D[3J~[Q]-~[Q]
AGENDA STATEMENT
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: May 6, 2008
SUBJECT:
Report to Council on the Light Brown Apple Moth and Recent
Developments in Aerial Spraying
Report Prepared by: Melissa Morton, Public Works Dire~
ATTACHMENTS:
August 6, 2007, Open House Notice and Map
November 29,2007, Open House Notice and Map
Resolution adopted by the City of Albany against the
California Department of Food and Agriculture Aerial Spray
Program to Eradicate the Light Brown Apple Moth
RECOMMENDA TIO~ ~eceive the presentation and provide comments as appropriate.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT: There are no financial impacts associated with this presentation.
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DESCRIPTION: The light brown apple moth is a pest to ornamental plants and
agricultural crops. It is native to Australia and is estimated to cause AU$21.1 million annually in lost
production and control costs. If the LBAM becomes established in the State of California, this pest will
devastate residential landscapes and agriculture, attacking over 250 hosts including nearly all types of fruit
crops, ornamentals, vegetables and nursery stock. During severe outbreaks, the damage to fruit may be as
high as 85%.
On February 6, 2007, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (Department) was informed that
two light brown apple moths (LBAM) were detected in a light trap located in Berkeley. The samples were
sent to an Australian entomologist who confirmed that the specimens were the light brown apple moth.
Additional traps were placed throughout California and the LBAM was detected in the City of Dublin
Establishment of the LBAM could cause direct environmental damage via pesticide use statewide by
commercial and residential growers. Populations of threatened or endangered plant species could be
severely threatened or extinguished should this moth adapt to feeding on those species.
The eradication plan in the City of Dublin included the following measures:
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ITEM NO. ~ · 'L
G:\AGENDA STATEMENTS, MISClagst LBAMdoc
1. Trapping - Jackson traps baited with the LBAM pheromone lure were placed in the treatment
area at the density of 100 traps per square mile within the detection limits, and 25 traps per
square mile in the square miles adjacent to the find sites.
2. Treatment - Ground applications with pheromone-infused "twist ties" placed on trees, shrubs
and objects such as fence posts on designated residential properties. The twist tie dispensers
contain an odorless, synthetic insect pheromone (sexual attractant) that confuses male moths,
impairing the ability to find mates. Once the breeding cycle of the moth is broken, the light
brown apple moth population is reduced and ultimately eradicated from the area.
3. Post-Treatment Monitoring - Traps will be inspected for one life cycle following the last
deployment of the twist ties.
4. Quarantine - The official detection of any life stage of the LBAM will trigger a quarantine. All
regulated entities, such as nurseries, landscapers, packing houses, and green waste handlers will
be indentified, informed of the quarantine restrictions, and placed under a compliance
agreement.
5. Public Outreach - Public Information concerning the LBAM project will consist of press
releases to the general public. Two separate open houses were held on August 6, 2007, and
November 29, 2007, to provide education to the residents affected by eradication activities on
their properties, and notices were sent to each residence in the affected areas to coordinate the
implementation of twist ties. To date, twist ties have been considered an adequate measure to
achieve eradication in this area. A copy of the notices and maps of the implementation limits
are attached to this Report.
In other areas of the State where the infestation was too great for the use of twist ties to be effectively
implemented, the California Department of Food and Agriculture and the United Stated Department of
Agriculture have stated that eradication will have to be achieved by aerial application of pheromone for
mating disruption. Spraying was used in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties, and more that 600 people
reported respiratory problems after spraying occurred last autumn. Many groups have questioned whether
the spraying is safe and have called for an environmental review.
On Thursday, April 24, 2008, Santa Cruz County Superior Court Judge Paul Burdick ruled that spraying
must halt until state agricultural officials conduct a comprehensive review of the chemical spray's
environmental impact. A short time later, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced that spraying in 12
counties where the LBAM has been detected will be placed on hold at least until August 17 to allow for a
series of safety tests to be completed.
The City of Albany has asked that other municipalities adopt resolutions opposing the California
Department of Food and Agriculture Aerial Spray Program to Eradicate the Light Brown Apple Moth. A
copy of the resolution adopted by the City Council of the City of Albany is attached for the Council's
review (Attachment 3.) However, in light of the Governor's hold on the program until such time as a series
of safety tests has been conducted, Staff recommends that the Council forego adoption of the resolution at
this time.
Staff recommends that the City Council receive the presentation and provide comments as appropriate.
Page 2 of2
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE I o-! ~
COUNTY AGRICULTURAL COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE - ~ f
OFFICIAL NOTICE
PLEASE READ IMMEDIATELY
OPEN HOUSE MEETING ON ERADICATION PLANS AGAINST THE
LIGHT BROWN APPLE MOTH DETECTED IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
Meeting - August 6, 2007, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Alameda County Public Works Conference Room
4825 Gleason Drive
Dublin, CA 94568
The Light Brown Apple Moth (LBAM), a serious new insect pest in California, has been
detected in your area. The LBAM feeds on more than 250 varieties of plants
threatening California's natural environment and important agricultural industries.
Emergency eradication and quarantine action is needed to protect California from the
negative environmental and economic impacts the establishment of this pest could
cause.
The California Department of Food and Agriculture consulted with scientists who are
experts in the biology of this pest. These experts determined that the mating cycle of
the moth can be disrupted using pheromone-infused "twist ties" placed on trees, shrubs
and objects such as fence posts in infested areas. The twist tie dispensers contain an
odorless, synthetic insect pheromone (sexual attractant) that confuses male moths,
impairing their ability to find mates. Once the breeding cycle of the moth is broken, the
light brown apple moth population is reduced and ultimately eradicated from the area.
Twist tie applications target the adult male moth and preclude pesticide spraying,
unless immature (larval) life stages are detected.
Beginning in August 2007, California Department of Food and Agriculture staff will place
the 8-inch twist tie dispensers at the rate of approximately 40 ties per property. After
approximately 90 days, staff will replace the ties or remove them from your property.
Residents of properties scheduled for twist-tie placement will be notified prior to
application. Included in this packet are maps outlining the project area and a brochure
with lBAM information.
Your cooperation with this program is needed to rid California of this harmful invading
pest - while it is still possible. If you cannot attend this important meeting and require
additional information, please contact our toll-free PEST HOTLINE at (800) 491-1899.
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LIGHT BROWN APPLE MOTH
DUBLIN (SAN RAMON RD) I ALAMEDA COUNTY
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200M BOUNDARY
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
COUNTY AGRICULTURAL COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE
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OFFICIAL NOTICE
PLEASE READ IMMEDIATELY
OPEN HOUSE MEETING ON ERADICATION PLANS AGAINST THE
LIGHT BROWN APPLE MOTH DETECTED IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
Meeting - November 29, 2007, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Tennis Center Complex - Conference Room
5801 Valley Avenue
Pleasanton, CA 94566
The Light Brown Apple Moth (LBAM), a serious new insect pest in California, has been
detected in your area. The LBAM feeds on more than 250 varieties of plants
threatening California's natural environment and important agricultural industries.
Emergency eradication and quarantine action is needed to protect California from the
negative environmental and economic impacts the establishment of this pest could
cause.
The California Department of Food and Agriculture consulted with scientists who are
experts in the biology of this pest. These experts determined that the mating cycle of
the moth can be disrupted using pheromone-infused "twist ties" placed on trees, shrubs
and objects such as fence posts in infested areas. The twist tie dispensers contain an
odorless, synthetic insect pheromone (sexual attractant) that confuses male moths,
impairing their ability to find mates. Once the breeding cycle of the moth is broken, the
light brown apple moth population is reduced and ultimately eradicated from the area.
Twist tie applications target the adult male moth and preclude pesticide spraying,
unless immature (larval) life stages are detected.
Beginning in December 2007, program staff will place the 8-inch twist tie dispensers at
the rate of approximately 40 ties per property. After approximately 90 days, staff will
replace the ties or remove them from your property.
Residents of properties scheduled for twist-tie placement will be notified prior to
application. Included in this packet is a map to the meeting location, a map outlining the
project area and a brochure with LBAM information.
Your cooperation with this program is needed to rid California of this harmful invading
pest - while it is still possible. If you cannot attend this important meeting and require
additional information, please contact our toll-free PEST HOTLINE at (800) 491-1899.
ATTACIIElT Z.
LIGHT BROWN APPLE MOTH
DUBLIN, ALAMEDA COUNTY
2007
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ERADICATION BOUNDARY
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RESOLUTION NO. 08-4
A RESOLUTION OF THE ALBANY CITY COUNCIL OPPOSING THE
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE AERIAL
SPRAY PROGRAM TO ERADICATE THE LIGHT BROWN APPLE
MOTHS
WHEREAS, the Light Brown Apple Moth (LBAM) is a pest subject to Federal and
State quarantine and eradication orders; and
WHEREAS, there is a confirmed presence of Light Brown Apple Moths III
Alameda County; and
WHEREAS, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) plans to
begin an LBAM aerial spraying program in Alameda County and surrounding areas in
spring of2008; and
WHEREAS, modem Integrated Pest Management (IPM) relies on least-toxic,
environmentally sensitive control methods; and
WHEREAS, the City of Albany Park and Recreation Master Plan commits the
city to "a pest management policy that favors the use of organic or natural methods" and
"a thorough and public process" to "consider the careful and limited use of chemicals of
the least toxic nature"'; and
WHEREAS, least-toxic control options are available for LBAM, including
physical and cultural practices such as clean-up of plant debris where moth larvae over
winter; use of natural predators, parasites, and insect diseases; introduction of sterile
male moths; and use of pheromone sticky traps ;and
WHEREAS, aerial and other blanket pesticide applications have repeatedly
been shown in the past to upset natural ecosystem balance in unpredictable and often
catastrophic ways; and
ATTAC_ENT 3.
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1 WHEREAS, aerial and other blanket pesticide applications have repeatedly been
2 shown in the past to cause unintended, unpredictable, and often serious human health
3 effects; and
4 WHEREAS, the State has claimed an emergency exemption under the California
5 Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in order to begin the LBAM aerial spraying program
6 without conducting environmental review based on an emergency exemption; and
7 WHEREAS, the State has confirmed that it will begin preparation of an
8 Environmental Impact Report after the aerial spraying program has begun; and
9 WHEREAS, blanket spraying of chemicals is expensive and inefficient; and
10 WHEREAS, biologists have testified that aerial pesticide spraying is extremely
11 unlikely to eradicate LBAM; and
12 WHEREAS, biologists have testified that the range over which LBAM has been
13 detected in California indicates that LBAM has been established in the state for some
14 time; and
15 WHEREAS, CDF A has stated that no physical crop damage has been attributed
16 to LBAM; and
17 WHEREAS, the risk of economic damage alone does not justify the health and
18 environmental risks of aerial pesticide applications; and
19 WHEREAS, the State has relied almost entirely on its own scientists to address
20 public concerns about the LBAM spray program and has not employed independent
21 outside experts to evaluate and support the program or and address issues in a direct and
22 impartial manner; and
23 WHEREAS, the CDF A LBAM spraying program has used pesticides that an
24 independent toxicologist's review has stated have not been tested for long-term human
25 toxicity; and
26 WHEREAS, the CDF A LBAM spraying program is relying on pesticides that
27 contain ingredients that are highly toxic to aquatic life; and
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1 WHEREAS, the CDP A LBAM program sprays pesticides in microscopic plastic
2 capsules that pose unknown inhalation risks; and
3 WHEREAS, the United State Department of Agriculture (USDA) maintains that
4 the pheromone pesticide poses only "minimal risk to human health," but acknowledges
5 that it is considered a "slight to moderate dermal irritant" and does present some very low
6 toxicity" [see Treatment Program for Light Brown Apple Moth in Santa Cruz and
7 Northern Monterey Counties, California (September 2007) pages 10~121 ; and
8 WHEREAS, the USDA states that its risk assessment assumes that the rate of
9 exposure will be insignificant, with no dietary exposure from food and just a minimal
10 amount of incidental exposure from drinking water or swimming [see Treatment
11 Program for Light Brown Apple Moth in Santa Cruz and Northern Monterey Counties,
12 California (September 2007) pages 10-121 ; and
13 WHEREAS, aerial spraying disproportionately affects vulnerable populations
14 such as those who work and play outdoors, those with the recognized disability multiple
15 chemical sensitivity, and those in the homeless population who have no option for
16 protection from the spray or receipt of written notification of spray dates; and
17 WHEREAS, LBAM aerial spraying in the Santa Cruz and Monterey areas
18 resulted in the spraying of numerous residents and pets; and
19 WHEREAS, hundreds of reports of health effects were reported following the
20 LBAM aerial spraying in Santa Cruz and Monterey counties; and
21 WHEREAS, other environmental impacts were reported following the LBAM
22 aerial spraying in the Monterey and Santa Cruz areas; and
23 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AND ORDERED that the Albany
24 City Council:
25 1) Opposes the CDP A aerial spray program to eradicate LBAM.
26 2) Requests that CDP A protect the health and welfare of the residents and natural
27 environment of Alameda County by immediately shifting its LBAM control methods to
28 least-toxic Integrated Pest Management methods such as those listed above.
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1 3) Requests that CDF A shift its focus to educating the USDA regarding the lack
2 of crop damage done by LBAM, the need to use least-toxic control methods that do not
3 expose populated areas to aerial spraying, and the need to appropriately downgrade the
4 pest classification of LBAM to reflect the lack of risk it poses.
5 4) Requests that the State conduct a long-term study of the health and
6 environmental effects resulting from the aerial spraying project that has been conducted
7 to date in Monterey and Santa Cruz counties, taking into account reports collected by
8 citizens in the absence of an easily accessible method of reporting to the State.
9 5) Supports the introduction and passage of state legislation requiring explicit
10 consent of affected residents before any aerial sprayin
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16 References
17 Carey, James, PhD. 2007. Testimony Submitted in Edna Williams, et al., v. California
18 Department of Food and Agriculture, A.G. Kawamura, et. al., Case No. 07-05587, u.s.
19 District Ct. for the Northern District of California. November 14.
20 Harder, Daniel, PhD. 2007. Testimony Submitted in County of Santa Cruz v. CDF A,
21 Superior Court of California, Santa Cruz County. October 31.
22 Philp, Richard B. PhD. 2007. Analysis of Toxicology Studies with LBAM and Related
23 Lepidopteran Pheromones. October.
24 Philp, Richard B. PhD. 2007. Testimony Submitted in County of Santa Cruz v. CDF A,
25 Superior Court of California, Santa Cruz County. October 31.
26 USDA. 2007. Treatment Program for Light Brown Apple Moth in Santa Cruz and
27 Northern Monterey Counties, California. September.
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~~AI6any
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1000 SAN PABLO AVENUE . ALBANY, CALIFORNIA 94706-2295
RESOLUTION NO. 08-4
PASSED AND APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALBANY.
this
22nd day of January
.20 ~ by the following votes:
AYES: Council Members Atkinson, Javandel, Okawachi, l'liIe f, ~1ayor Lieber
NOES: Hone
ABSENT: l~one
WITNESS MY HAND AND THE SEAL OF THE CITY OF ALBAJclY, this~
day of January
,20~_
~ ~\ll /
L. BUCHOLZ, CMC -- ~
The City of Albany is dedicated to maintaining its small town ambience, responding to the needs of the community,
and providing a safe, healthy environment now and in the future.
~
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