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San Francisco school board urges halt to proposed state LBAM aerial spraying pending full EIR
Summary
After extensive public testimony about health risks to children and vulnerable populations, the Board of Education adopted a resolution urging the state to pause aerial spraying of pheromone formulations for the light brown apple moth until a full environmental impact report is completed.
The San Francisco Board of Education on May 27 adopted a resolution opposing the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s proposed aerial spraying program for the light brown apple moth (LBAM) until a full environmental impact review addresses potential health risks.
The measure was introduced as an urgent item and advanced for a second reading so the board could act before the end of the school year. In the resolution the board asks the governor and other state and federal officials to postpone aerial applications and requests the superintendent to notify families about the board’s position and pertinent facts related to the proposed spraying.
Public comment on the resolution was extensive. Physicians, public-health advocates, professors and parents told the board they were concerned about children’s greater vulnerability to pesticides, cited reports about microencapsulated formulations (product name referenced in testimony) and described symptoms reported after prior local applications. Speakers also raised concerns about playgrounds, school gardens, attendance impacts and the capacity of school nursing and health resources to respond.
Board members said they were moved by the testimony and by recent votes and resolutions in other local jurisdictions. After discussion the board took a roll-call vote and approved the resolution opposing the spray pending completion of a full environmental impact report.
The board directed the superintendent to inform families of the board’s action and to provide factual information about the proposed program.
