Council notes:
· the increasing evidence of the dangers to both human health and biodiversity of continuing use of glyphosate weed killer
· glyphosate is deemed “probably carcinogenic to humans” by the World Health Organisation’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). The exposure route (breathing in or by absorption through the skin) is currently unclear. Two recent high profile court cases in the United States have resulted in Monsanto which manufactures glyphosate under the trade name ‘Roundup’ being successfully sued by individuals for causing their cancers;
· in 2018 the GMB Union called for the UK Government to immediately ban glyphosate;
· glyphosate is currently used by the City Council in Exeter’s parks and green spaces and under contract from Devon County Council on highways;
· whilst glyphosate is a cheap and effective herbicide (sometimes inaccurately described as a pesticide), emerging evidence of health and environmental implications is driving trials of alternatives for effective alternative solutions for the treatment and control of weeds;
· discussions about the use of this weed killer by local authorities have, until recently, been more concerned with the financial considerations of alternatives rather than the health and safety and biodiversity implications. However, this is now changing and a number of cities and local authorities in this country and abroad have taken a variety of measures to limit or exclude the use of glyphosate herbicide for the treatment of weeds;
· other local authorities, notably Glastonbury and Shaftesbury, in the South West have banned the use of glyphosate, and Lyme Regis and Wadebridge have declared they are pesticide-free. Bristol City Council are actively considering the introduction of a phased reduction in glyphosate use;
· Exeter City Council parks and green spaces team are currently trialling alternative methods of weed control to glyphosate; Exeter City Council fully supports this course of action;
· Devon Wildlife Trust, who are working in partnership with Exeter City Council particularly with regard to the Valley Parks, do not use glyphosate because of the detrimental effect it has on insects (bees) and biodiversity;
This Council believes:-
· this Council has a duty of care to its citizens and staff; and
· the use of such glyphosate has a detrimental effect on biodiversity and the environment in general.
Council resolves:-
· to investigate and trial alternative safe and cost effective methods of weed suppression and management;
· to use the results of these trials to inform Council processes over the next three years; and
· to assess the success or otherwise of the planned reduction strategy in glyphosate use with regular progress reports to Place Scrutiny Committee.
Minutes:
Councillor Williams, seconded by Councillor Harvey, moved a Notice of Motion in the following terms:-
Council notes:
· the increasing evidence of the dangers to both human health and biodiversity of continuing use of glyphosate weed killer
· glyphosate is deemed “probably carcinogenic to humans” by the World Health Organisation’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). The exposure route (breathing in or by absorption through the skin) is currently unclear. Two recent high profile court cases in the United States have resulted in Monsanto which manufactures glyphosate under the trade name ‘Roundup’ being successfully sued by individuals for causing their cancers;
· in 2018 the GMB Union called for the UK Government to immediately ban glyphosate;
· glyphosate is currently used by the City Council in Exeter’s parks and green spaces and under contract from Devon County Council on highways;
· whilst glyphosate is a cheap and effective herbicide (sometimes inaccurately described as a pesticide), emerging evidence of health and environmental implications is driving trials of alternatives for effective alternative solutions for the treatment and control of weeds;
· discussions about the use of this weed killer by local authorities have, until recently, been more concerned with the financial considerations of alternatives rather than the health and safety and biodiversity implications. However, this is now changing and a number of cities and local authorities in this country and abroad have taken a variety of measures to limit or exclude the use of glyphosate herbicide for the treatment of weeds;
· other local authorities, notably Glastonbury and Shaftesbury, in the South West have banned the use of glyphosate, and Lyme Regis and Wadebridge have declared they are pesticide-free. Bristol City Council are actively considering the introduction of a phased reduction in glyphosate use;
· Exeter City Council parks and green spaces team are currently trialling alternative methods of weed control to glyphosate; Exeter City Council fully supports this course of action;
· Devon Wildlife Trust, who are working in partnership with Exeter City Council particularly with regard to the Valley Parks, do not use glyphosate because of the detrimental effect it has on insects (bees) and biodiversity;
This Council believes:-
· this Council has a duty of care to its citizens and staff; and
· the use of such glyphosate has a detrimental effect on biodiversity and the environment in general.
Council resolves:-
· to investigate and trial alternative safe and cost effective methods of weed suppression and management;
· to use the results of these trials to inform Council processes over the next three years; and
· to assess the success or otherwise of the planned reduction strategy in glyphosate use with regular progress reports to the appropriate Scrutiny Committee.
In presenting the Notice of Motion, Councillor Williams referred to the toxic nature of glyphosate and existing evidence highlighting its potential danger to human health and damage to the biodiversity. She stated that the motion presented a structured approach to addressing concerns by gradually reducing its use and trialling and monitoring alternatives, including the costs with a view to a phased introduction. She detailed the three proposals for Council to consider.
A Member highlighted the purchase of weed-killers by the public from garden centres etc., many of whom he suggested did not follow precautionary instructions. Action by the Council could therefore bring issues into the public domain and help engender change. Members supported a structured approach to this issue without a specified time limit and noted that further discussions would take place with Devon County Council in respect of the work the City Council currently undertook on County Council land.
Other Members urged a bolder and more urgent response to the issue to safeguard the public with one referring to the existing use by South West Water of suitable alternatives all year round.
Councillor D. Moore moved, and Councillor J. Moore seconded, the addition of the following amendments:-
To cease the widespread use of glyphosate within a year or as soon as the current contract allows.
In exceptional circumstances and only when no alternatives exist, use of glyphosate may be permitted on a case-by-case basis, for example to tackle invasive alien species, as defined by EU legislation.
The amendments were put to the vote and lost.
In summarising, Councillor Williams stated that it remained unclear the extent to which the human body absorbed the harmful elements but that it was important to carefully assess alternatives and the impact of these on other Council policies.
The Notice of Motion was put to the vote and carried.