General Herbicide Use
Chemical control of invasive plants and animals will only be used when consistent with water quality control plans (e.g., basin plans) and when other methods are determined to be ineffective or would create greater environmental impacts than chemical control. Chemical use will be evaluated on a project-by-project basis with consideration of (and preference given towards) integrated pest management (IPM) strategies wherever possible. See University of California Statewide IPM Program for guidance documents (http://ipm.ucanr.edu/index.html). Broadcast spraying, including the use of aerial drones, may be used if it provides greater application accuracy and access.
Chemical use is restricted in accordance with approved application methods and best management practices designed to prevent exposure to non-target areas and organisms. Any chemical considered for control of invasive species must be approved for use in California, adhere to all regulations per the California Environmental Protection Agency (CEPA 2011 or most recent version), and be applied by a licensed applicator under all necessary state and local permits. Use herbicides only in a context where all treatments are considered, and various methods are used individually or in concert to maximize the benefits while reducing undesirable effects and applying the lowest legal effective application rate, unless site-specific analysis determines a lower rate is needed to reduce non-target impacts. Treat only the minimum area necessary for effective control. Within 25 feet of any water of the state, only formulations approved by EPA and State Water Board for aquatic use will be utilized. Soil-activated herbicides can be applied as long as directions on the label are followed. Aquatic pesticides will be applied in compliance with NPDES order(s), where applicable (https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/npdes/pesticides/) or with authorization from the approving Water Board.