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Commission adopts 2020 reduced-risk pesticide list for city properties
Summary
The Commission on the Environment voted unanimously (with one excused) to adopt the 2020 reduced-risk pesticide list, marking continued declines in high‑hazard pesticide use and acceptance of a handful of new products and administrative updates.
The San Francisco Commission on the Environment voted to adopt Resolution File 2023-COE, approving the city's 2020 reduced-risk pesticide list for use on city properties.
Chris Geiger, the Department of the Environment's Integrated Pest Management program manager, told commissioners that the department uses a three-tier hazard screening system and prioritizes nonchemical methods. He reported continuing long-term declines in the city's use of the highest-hazard pesticides: "Last year was about a 96% reduction since 02/2010" and for 2019 the department recorded a 97.9% reduction in Tier 1 pesticide use, Geiger said.
Geiger described several program developments: rollout of a new pesticide-use reporting database (launched Sept. 1), ongoing pilot testing of alternative herbicides such as a clove-oil product (Weed Slayer), and trials of a rat contraceptive (ContraPest) as less-toxic rodent control alternatives. He noted staff expect some increased herbicide use in 2020 because of COVID-era staff and volunteer reductions that affected manual weeding.
Commission discussion emphasized cultural and operational change across city departments and praise for the long-term reduction in chemical use. Commissioner Wald commended staff on years of progress and framed the reductions as a shift in agency culture.
Public comment included a statement of support from David Pilpel. The commission then moved, seconded and adopted the resolution by roll-call vote: President Stevenson, Vice President Ahn, Commissioners Chu, Sullivan, Wald and Juan voted aye; Commissioner Bermejo was excused.
Why this matters: The vote formalizes the city's updated product list and administrative changes that the department said will make tracking and training easier. Staff said the list adds one Tier 1 product (ContraPest, a rat contraceptive) and one Tier 3 product (Weed Slayer, a clove-oil product), along with administrative updates to 18 products and some increased restrictions on a fumigant-style device used in rodent burrows.
Next steps: staff will continue monitoring 2020 usage patterns (expecting a COVID-related spike in some herbicide applications) and will report on usage trends in the next annual review.
