Over the past few years, Pajaro Valley Unified School District (PVUSD) has worked with both environmental groups and the agricultural groups to address concerns regarding pesticide use in the area.
In November 1999, the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) requested that the Air Resources Board (ARB) conduct air monitoring for hte soil fumigant methyl bromide. Monitoring took place between September 11, 2000 and November 3, 2000. This study was done in cooperation with the Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR), County Agricultural Commissioners, and the Farm Bureau. Testing devices were placed at Salsipuedes and Pajaro Middle Schools along with other sites in a three-county region.
Results were that all short-term (24 hours) air measurements of methyl bromide fell within acceptable levels. However, a preliminary analysis of the data indicated that concentrations of methyl bromide may exceed acceptable levels for long-term exposures.
The District has always cooperated with the various governmental environmental agencies, such as DPR, to ensure the public safety and to set regulations that protect and serve our students and staff. The DPR has stated that they will take necessary actions prior to the next methyl bromide application period to ensure that the risks associated with methyl bromide do not exceed acceptable levels.
A resolution was passed by the PVUSD School Board in March 2001 in an attempt to encourage responsible parties to commit all resources necessary to complete a thorough analysis and issue a final report on the study so that health concern issues can be resolved prior to the next methyl bromide application season.
For more information please contact Maintenance & Operations at 728-6248 |
