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About Pesticides
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Are pesticides in our waterways?
Yes, pesticides are present in the Clackamas River and its
streams, several pesticides at high
concentrations. Because pesticides can negatively affect both
human and environmental health, the
United States Geological Survey (USGS) monitored the mainstem of
the Clackamas River and eight of
tributaries from 2000 through 2005. During this study they
analyzed a total of 119 water samples
detecting 63 different pesticide compounds, with 2 or more types
of pesticides in 97% of all the
samples they collected. Seven of the eight tributaries had
pesticide levels that exceeded standards th
have been set to been set to protect aquatic life, including
salmon. Since 2005, Department of
Environmental Quality (DEQ) monitoring efforts have also shown
exceedances of water quality
standards for certain pesticides in Clackamas tributaries.
Although the levels of pesticides did not
exceed human health benchmarks, it is a warning sign that the
health of our waterways is threatened.
To read the full USGS report visit:
http://pubs.usgs.gov/sir/2008/5027
Think Smart About Pesticides
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What are pesticides?
Pesticides are chemicals that include herbicides,
insecticides, rodenticides, fungicides, and othersubstances
designed to kill or repel pests. Pesticide
are commonly used on yards, gardens, farms,
nurseries, parks, and along road ways. Since, there
are numerous uses pesticides, it is crucial that all
pesticide users do their part to keep pesticides out
of our waterways. In order to protect you, your
family, and the environment it is important to appl
pesticides with care. According to the Pesticide
Action Network of America, homeowners in the US
apply at least 90 million pounds of pesticides eachyear. That's
equivalent to the weight of over 5,000
school buses!
This table lists several pesticide chemicals
found in our waterways during the USGS
study. Also, listed are common product/trade
names that may have the chemical as an active
ingredient. Read your product label to
determine the chemical makeup of the
pesticide product you are using.
For information on pesticide labels visit:
www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/dept/factshts/read2.pdf
What kinds of pesticides are being found in our waterways?
The Pathway to Healthier Streams and Rivers
* exceeded a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or non-
USEPA aquatic-life benc
Common Products/ Trade Nam
Chlorothalonil *
2,4-D *
Carbaryl *
Chemical Name
Imidacloprid
Diazinon *
Glyphosate
Malathion *
Triclopyr
Aqua-Kleen, Lawn-Keep, Weed-B-Gon
Carbamine, Denapon, Sevin, Lily Mill
Admire, Bayer, Merit, Gaucho
Basudin, Knox Out, Diazatol
Roundup, Rodeo, Accord, Green Ligh
Cythion, Fyfanon, Spectracide
Crossbow, Spectracide, Remedy, Bonid
Bravo, Ortho, Echo, Daconil 2787
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About Pesticides
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dentify your pest- Spend a little time identifying your
pest.
Most insects are actually beneficial and most weeds can beemoved
by hand. First determine what type of pest you have, then
esearch what manual methods work best to fight off the pest.
Pesticides As Your Last Resort
Mulching Your Garden- By applying organic mulch aroundmaller
trees and in your garden, you can reduce weeds, the need
o water, and the needfor other fertilizers.
Proper Pesticide Storage and Disposalmproper disposal is illegal
and can harm you and the environment.
Read the product label for proper pesticide disposal. Dispose
of
unwanted pesticides for free by contacting Metro (503)
234-3000.
Tips to reduce your pesticide use
This fact sheet was developed by the Clackamas River
BasinCouncil. Development was made possible through funding
from the Clackamas River Water Providers.
Please visit the Clackamas River Basin Council website to
learn more about these reduction tips
www.clackamasriver.org/pesticide/alternatives.htm
Read the Label Completely- Every pesticide product you buyhas a
label with detailed instructions. The label is your main source
of information on how to use the product correctly, safely,
effectively, and legally. Be sure to take the time to read the
label!
Water deeply but infrequently-For a healthier lawn, its bettero
water deeply and infrequently. Shallow watering can actually
damage your yard! Grasses do better when the roots are
horoughly soaked, and then dry out before the next watering.
Use Only What is Needed for the Job- Pesticides should beyour
last defense against pests! If pesticide use is absolutely
unavoidable, apply just enough to address the problem, no
more!
Do your research - buy the right pesticide for the job. And
when
choosing a pesticide select the least-hazardous pesticide
product.
Apply Pesticides Correctly- When using pesticides it ismportant
to apply them with care. Only apply during low-or no-
wind conditions (wind speeds 2-9 mph ). Apply pesticides as
close
as possible to the target pest. Do not apply near or during a
rain
Internet Resources
CLACKAMAS RIVER DRINKING WAClackamas River Water Provid
www.clackamasproviders.org
GENERAL PESTICIDE INFORMATINational Pesticide Information C
http://npic.orst.edu
NW Coalition for Alternatives to Pestwww.pesticide.org
PESTICIDE APPLICATION & SAFEnvironmental Protection Age
www.epa.gov/ebtpages/pesticides
Oregon Dept. of Agriculture
www.oregon.gov/ODA/PEST
PESTICIDE DISPOSAL-
Metro
www.oregonmetro.gov
PESTS AND GARDENING-Oregon State University- Extens
http://extension.oregonstate
SOIL & WATER CONSERVATIOClackamas County SWCD
www.conservationdistrict.o
WATER QUALITY INFORMATIOOregon Dept. of Environmental Qu
www.oregon.gov/DEQ/WQwww.healthylawns.org
Mow Higher and More Often-Giving your lawn a 'buzz-cut'can
damage the grass. Its better to set your mower blade higher.
Mow on a higher setting (3 inches or 7.5 cm) to crowd out
weeds,
block out light, and retain soil moisture.
Maintain a Healthy Lawn
Try Manual Methods First
For more information please expthe websites listed below:
