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APPENDIV Maintenance Staff Guide C.25 CHEMICAL VEGETATION CONTROL Description: This practice is intended to reduce the potential for the discharge of pollutants generated during chemical vegetation control. This method of vegetation control uses herbicides to eliminate and prevent weed growth. The purpose is to control weed growth that may threaten the growth and health of preferred vegetation, that may become a fire hazard or raise other safety concerns, Appropriate Applications: The BMPs should be implemented on a site-specific basis.whenever chemical vegetation control activities are performed. Chemical vegetative control measures will not be used on vegetated treatment BMPs (see Section C.23 Structural Treatment System Maintenance) except where Caltrans is directed by the California Department of Food and Agriculture to treat the BMPs for invasive weeds. Caltrans will report the use of these required chemicals in its Annual Report. Implementation: • Caltrans has an Integrated Vegetation Management Plan that integrates manual, chemical, mechanical, cultural and biological methods to provide the most effective pest management approach. • Caltrans follows an approved list of chemicals developed by Maintenance Headquarters that is generally more restrictive than herbicide use options available to other agencies and the public. • The Caltrans goal is to reduce chemical usage. • To achieve effective vegetation control through chemical application, maintenance personnel should consider the following: (1) use of the correct herbicide, (2) seasonal timing of applications, (3) timing in relation to expected precipitation events, (4) proximity to water bodies, (5) wind speed, (6) speed of travel .when applying herbicides and (7) proper agitation of the spray tank. • Apply herbicides in compliance with federal, state and local pesticide use regulations. • Apply herbicides only as specified on the "Pesticide Use Recommendation" and the label. • Activities should be approved by a licensed Agricultural Pest Control Adviser. • Apply herbicides as recommended in the District Annual Vegetation Control Plan. • Minimize and where possible eliminate the use of herbicides near storm water drainage systems or watercourses. Caltrans Storm Water Quality Handbook C-172 Maintenance Staff Guide May 2003,revised Sep 2012