The State - News from Jan. 3, 1985

Aerial spraying of the herbicide 2,4-D in forests does not seriously contaminate streams or other surface water in Northern California, according to a report issued by the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. Based on a two-year study of farm chemicals’ effect on water supplies, the report said aerial application of herbicides “was not found to be a principal cause of water quality degradation” in the North Coast area. The report, to be discussed today by the state Water Resources Control Board, parent body of the regional board, said the potential for pollution of underground water by pesticides does exist but varies from location to location, depending on the type of soils involved and the method of application.