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Weed board debates herbicide choices and resident concerns over drift and past heavy applications
Summary
Board members discussed roadside herbicide practice (pre-emergent use, Milestone, 2,4-D), the limits of applying sterilants, discretion near private gardens and a reported past application that "looked like diesel fuel." Staff said they will check past minutes and emphasized use on county roads and right-of-ways.
At its meeting, the Duchesne County Weed Board discussed herbicide selection, application practices and community concerns about spray drift and effects on private landscaping.
Staff described current practice for new construction and roadsides as relying on pre-emergent products such as Milestone and mixes containing 2,4-D rather than non-selective steriles. "We're not using any sterile ones," a presenter said, noting the county focuses on residual pre-emergent products for longer control, and that certain high-traffic roads receive stronger pre-emergent treatments to limit regrowth.
Members repeatedly stressed exercising discretion near private homes and gardens to avoid damaging ornamental plantings. One member asked that crews "use discretion on where you use it" when spraying close to houses and trees; the group discussed balancing erosion-control needs on berms with protecting private vegetation.
A member recounted an older application under a prior supervisor that "looked like diesel fuel" and reportedly left brown residue on plants. Staff said they did not know what product would cause that effect and committed to reviewing old meeting minutes and records to clarify the event.
Board members also discussed enforcement and billing for landowners who fail to control noxious weeds; staff described processes for charging for work, using parcel numbers for accurate billing and attaching unpaid costs to property taxes if owners do not pay.
The board did not adopt any new countywide restrictions on herbicide products at this meeting but directed staff to continue exercising discretion, document past applications and pursue enforcement where voluntary compliance fails.
