In a Letter to L.A. City Council, PPCC President Maryam Zar Expressed That Environmental and Health Warnings Were Ignored
City workers have halted the use of Cheetah Pro, a herbicide used to control unwanted plant vegetation, in and around Potrero Canyon Park after the Pacific Palisades Community Council raised several concerns.
In a letter to L.A. City Council, PPCC President Maryam Zar expressed that environmental and health warnings were ignored in the chemical’s utilization. Among them were inhalation risks on account of nearby kids in recreation areas, failing to close off areas for 12 hours after application, applying the compound directly on areas with water surfaces – such as the riparian corridor which leads to the ocean, and harmful elements such as Glufosinate-ammonium being included in the chemical.
Zar went on to state that, whereas Cheetah Pro is intended to be sprayed directly, it seemed to have been sprayed broadly at Potrero Canyon. “As images as well as the attestation of rim residents near the sprayed area show, this application has destroyed native plants, green space, and harmed the Park’s (deliberate) biodiversity.” stated the letter.
During its May 23rd meeting, CD11 Field Deputy Michael Amster confirmed that the use of Cheetah Pro at Potrero Canyon was put on hold, according to the Pacific Palisades Community Council.
According to the website of Nufarm, an Australian agricultural chemical company that makes the product, Cheetah Pro stagnates undesirable vegetation around ornamental trees, shrubs, potted plants, landscape trim and natural areas. Among the weeds it can be used to control are Bahiagrass, Bermudagrass, Chickweed, Clover and Groundsel.
The George Wolfberg Park at Potrero Canyon is a 46-acre, mile-long park with trails through the riparian canyon leading from the Palisades Recreation Center to the curb of the Pacific Coast Highway.
