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SFPUC amends Alameda County MOU to require compliance with city pesticide rules
Summary
The commission approved amendments to a memorandum of understanding with Alameda County clarifying Exhibit A is for billing-rate setting only and adding that pesticide products used under the MOU must comply with San Francisco's Integrated Pest Management Ordinance (unless a specific exemption is granted).
The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission approved amendments to a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the County of Alameda that clarify billing‑rate language and add a pesticide‑use restriction tied to the city's Integrated Pest Management Ordinance.
Commission staff added a sixth whereas clause noting that "Exhibit A to the MOU provided by Alameda County is included for purposes of setting billing rates only and does not constitute a recommended list of materials or resources to be used under this MOU." A second new whereas clause states that consistent with the City and County of San Francisco's Integrated Pest Management Ordinance, no pesticide products will be used under the MOU that are not listed on San Francisco's reduced pesticide list without a specific exemption from the Department of the Environment.
Tim Ramirez, Division Manager of Natural Resources and Lands Management, said staff coordinated with Department of the Environment personnel in drafting the language and that field staff follow the city ordinance when working on SFPUC fee property. Ramirez noted the amendments were written to remain consistent if the Department of the Environment updates its restrictions later in the year.
Public commenters, including Eric Brooks (Sustainability Chair, San Francisco Green Party), urged the commission to strengthen nonbinding language further by directing the general manager to minimize Tier 1 herbicide use and to ensure contractors are explicitly required to follow the pesticide restrictions when performing work on SFPUC‑managed property.
The commission approved the amendments and then the amended resolution in separate votes; the chair called for "Aye" and announced the motion carried.
