THOUSAND OAKS : County Quizzed on Herbicide Policy

Responding to complaints about the county’s practice of spraying herbicides to control weeds in flood control channels, the Thousand Oaks City Council has asked Ventura County officials to publicly explain their policy.

The county’s public works director, Arthur Goulet, has already defended the policy in letters to several residents. He has repeatedly said the flood control department uses the herbicides correctly and appropriately.

“I appreciate and share your concern for the environment,” he wrote one resident. “But I believe the use of these herbicides is a safe and cost-effective method for the control of vegetation within (flood control) channels and rights-of-way.”

After reading a thick packet of letters on the subject, council members Tuesday heard from two residents concerned with the spraying, including James Nichols, who requested city help in battling the county. City officials, however, said there was little they could do other than ask for an explanation.

“It will not hurt us to (write a letter) again, but it’s not our land and it’s not his land--it’s the county’s jurisdiction,” Councilwoman Judy Lazar said.