Resident urges county to enforce Food and Agricultural Code after alleged pesticide contamination in Smith River

Alicia Williams, a local resident, asked the Del Norte County Board of Supervisors to direct and support the county agricultural commissioner to follow the Food and Agricultural Code and to evaluate restricted-use pesticide permits tied to Easter lily growers in the Smith River watershed.

"I'm asking that you please direct and support our ag commissioner, Justin Riggs, to follow food and ag code and all other applicable laws, including conducting a comprehensive evaluation of all factors and adverse impacts resulting from his permitting of the restricted use pesticides," Williams told the board during the public comment period. She said she submitted a formal request under Food and Agricultural Code Section 14009(a) to seek reconsideration and revocation of restricted-use permits.

Williams said copper-based pesticides accumulate in soil and are "incredibly toxic to salmonids," adding that coho and other salmonids are bioindicator species for the watershed. She told the board the county has not yet received reports she expected following direction by a supervisor last fall to investigate the issue, and she urged the board to support the agricultural commissioner in conducting a full review.

Williams asked the board to consider denying requests for restricted pesticides in the Smith River area, including copper and other products she described as harmful. She said she had attempted to place this matter on a prior agenda in December and has repeatedly raised it in public comment.

Other members of the public also raised concerns about the river's condition and local fisheries during the public comment period.

The board did not take formal action on Williams' request during the meeting; she asked that the county agricultural commissioner be supported in following applicable code and conducting the review she requested.