08/02/1978 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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. He noted these rules would apply to all lands under Forestry juris- diction. He said this was possibly the most toxic substance that has e ever been produced and reviewed the various documented health effects in humans believed to be a result of herbicide contamination. He noted the hazard that the use of dioxin herbicides posed to the watershed. Susequently, a BLM study has suggested rather conclusively it is impossible to keep herbicides out of the water systems. He expressed a more pressing concern of direct contact to persons moving through the woods. Mr. Lieuallen moved, seconded by Mr. Delay, that the Council adopt the following statement to transmit to the Forestry hearings: II It is of grave concern to thi s City Council that the potential usage of dioxin-containing herbicides near the McKenzie River poses an unnecessary threat to the citizens of Eugene due to possible contamination of our drinking water. Therefore, it is the expressed opinion of this City Council that, in light of what is now known about the almost unmatched toxicity of 2,4,5-T, and what is not known about its precice mode of action and its long-term effects on human beings, that watersheds which are direct supply for human consumption should not be managed with this herbicide or any others which contain TCDD. Further, that the above statement be approved and forwarded to the State Board of Forestry and EPA.II Mr. Lieuallen further explained the Oregon Environmental Council IS (OEC) e proposal and requested Council support his motion along with the OECls position. Mr. Obie said he had concerns supporting the motion involving the total watershed area without knowing what alternatives there might be. Mr. Lieuallen said alternative methods for managing forests other than use of sprays had included manual clearance. However, those studies are in progress and the success is not yet known. He noted that if land were clear-cut and not attended to for ten years, it would be impossible to manage it manually. However, if it were done within two or three years after clear cutting, manual management could be used. Furthermore, he felt EPA would conclude the dioxin is so toxic that he would like a recommendation to EPA to suspend use of dioxin until EPA studies have been concluded and that Council recognize the concern, not only for the watershed, but for direct contact by persons. Mr. Obie noted that Mr. Lieuallen's motion did not speak to that. Mr. Delay said that the motion directs itself to the concerns raised in the memo about whether dioxin should be used to manage brush within areas where it would come into contact with the watershed. He felt a separate motion might be needed before supporting practices regarding applying the herbicides. Mr. Obie said he would like to postpone voting on the motion until public input could be received by Council and more information could be obtained regarding the effects of andlor alternatives to total abolition of this herbicide. Mr. lieuallen said he hoped Council - . 8/2/78--5 5't't