09/25/1978 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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. Mr. Lieuallen moved, seconded by Mr. Delay, to communicate to State and Federal agencies opposition to continued use of TCDD e containing herbicides as a tool for land management. Mr. Lieuallen said in his reading of literature, he feels there is a health hazard associated with use of the herbicide, in spite of industry's care. He felt it important to notify EPA about Council.s feelings, and that EPA should attempt to find a way to deal with the problems associated with the use of herbicides. Mr. Delay said it was obvious there are serious questions related to the issue, in that the EPA is going through the RPAR process, and research has raised questions about the substance. He felt Council must recognize the seriousness of the matter in adopting its previous motion on local water supply. He felt when there are serious and legitimate concerns about toxic substances in the water supply, it would be prudent for Council to take a cautious stance. - Mr. Obie suggested modifyi ng the motion to el iminate "opposition" and insert "grave concern," and ask EPA to expedite the completion of the RPAR process. He wondered if Mr. Lieuallen could support that change. Ms. Smith concurred with Mr. Obie. Mr. Lieuallen was inclined to decline Mr. Obie.s offer. He fe 1 t his motion would communicate the concern of the citizens of Eugene, , and put pressure on the industries to consider manual alternatives. He wished Council to take a strong stand, noting the slowness of e bureaucracy and felt the strong position from Council would put additional pressure. Mayor Keller indicated he would have a problem supporting "opposition." He noted the amount of material received and presented to Council, and the recent tour of Weyerhauser Tree Farm, which demonstrated the use of herbicides versus manual clearing. He felt he was not in a position to actually oppose anything. He was concerned that reference to the EPA RPAR process is an indication of guilt, when he felt it is simply a request for review. He also felt confident that EWEB was going to continue to provide a good water supply for our citizens. Also, he noted great respect for the forest industry and felt they could ill afford a huge lawsuit for negligence. > Mr. Obie appreciated the legitimate concerns on this subject. He felt there were scientists and experts who had opinions on both sides of the issue. He did not feel this was a political issue, but a scientific one. Mr. Obie moved, seconded by Mr. Hamel, to strike the word "opposi- tion" and insert "grave concern" and further, to request EPA to expedite the RPAR process on this issue. Mr. Lieuallen felt he could accept that compromise, as he would like to see consensus expressed by the Council. e 9/20/78--9 b....2.