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USDA
Press Release: Public Hearing on Banning Toxic Pesticides in Marin's Parks and Open Spaces
3501 Civic Center Way, Room 329
San Rafael, California 94903
1:30 PM PT - 3:00 PM PT
Prompted by the outcry against the spraying of Roundup on Ring Mountain in Tiburon, the Marin County Board of Supervisors has scheduled a public hearing on the issue of banning pesticides for Tuesday, October 6, at 1:30pm at the Marin County Civic Center, Rm. 329, San Rafael, CA.
While many expect the meeting to be contentious, Pesticide Free Marin cites the World Health Organization’s (WHO) classification of glyphosate as a “probable human carcinogen” as good reason to ban poisonous pesticides.
Glyphosate is the main ingredient in Roundup, which is the most widely used pesticide in the world. Millions of pounds are used annually in the US.
Supporters of the ban also point out that the CA EPA has posted a notice of intent to list glyphosate on the CA Prop. 65 list of substances known to cause cancer. The action to list it is expected to take place shortly after public comments to the EPA close on Oct. 20.
According to the American Cancer Society, 2015 rates of cancer are now 1 in 2 for men and 1 in 3 for women.
The issue of banning glyphosate in Marin has become a hot topic, with the Marin Municipal Water District (MMWD) voting this summer to ban the use of pesticides on 26,000 acres of watershed. Now, Pesticide Free Marin is arguing that pesticides should not be used in the 22,000 acres of Marin County Open Space nor anywhere in County parks. The health risks, especially to children, are well documented.
The WHO declaration has led to a storm of action around the world to ban the use of glyphosate/Roundup. Countries including France, Germany, Netherlands, Brazil, Argentina and Columbia have either banned the substance or introduced legislation to do so.
In Marin County, the cities of Fairfax and Belvedere have banned pesticides and Sausalito has enacted a moratorium. Mill Valley is expected to ban pesticides as all five City Council candidates stated their approval of a ban at a candidates’ forum on September 24.
Organization: Pesticide Free Marin by 2016
Contact: Mary Fraser
Contact Phone: 415-686-8072
Contact Email:
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Pesticide-Free-Marin-By-2016-990814910952188/timeline/