10/17/1979 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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. D. Herbicides in Watersheds Mr. Lieuallen mentioned there is a two-county effort being organized e by Jerry Rust and a commissioner from Lincoln County to increase public awareness regarding the presence of herbicides in watersheds. A letter from Jerry Rust was distributed to Councilors which discusses this issue, and requests a statement of support from the Council. Mr. Lieuallen reminded Councilors that they had taken a position earlier, expressing concern to State and Federal agencies on the use of herbicides. Commissioner Rustls letter indicates that in coastal counties there is a problem. There is particular concern that coastal watersheds have been repeatedly sprayed with phenoxy herbicides. Commissioner Rust is asking the Council to join in the effort to formally request the Regional Forester to declare the Eugene muni- cipal watershed as a no-spray area. Mr. Lieuallen hoped the Council would continue to support the cost of studying the matter; up to now, there has been study but nothing conclusive. He also added that the letter speaks of genetic damage from use of these herbicides. He hoped Council would pass a resolution asking the State Health Division to further research the matter. Ms. Smith wondered if Mr. Lieuallen's intent was to ask to have further study on the issue, but not take particular action at this time. Mr. Lieuallen said that would be okay, but he would also favor a formal request to the Regional Forester to declare the watershed a no-spray area. Ms. Smith felt further study would be good, but she would have problems supporting a formal request at this point. Mr. Delay did not have any problems with asking staff to direct a e letter to the State Health Division raising Council IS concern. Any other resolution should be further discussed and considered before action is taken. Council needs to look at any objections others might have before taking a stand. Assistant Manager noted that both Corvallis and Portland have arrived at some written understanding protecting their watersheds from such sprays. Mr. Lieuallen requested that staff forward Council IS position regarding concern over the use of herbicides to Commissioner Rust and Lincoln County Commissioner Zedwick, as well as the appropriate State and Federal agencies, and make some effort to substantiate the agreements other municipalities in Western Oregon have regarding no spray in their watersheds. E. Bike Path Connection Ms. Miller wondered about the status of connecting the bike path to the Willie Knickerbocker Bridge, as well as status of County efforts in that regard. She also asked if there were plans to continue it to the Glenwood area. It was understood that a status report would be brought back to Council October 24. e 10/17/79--2 ~7