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Thiobencarb Monitoring continues to exceed

tractor at sunset

The Cal/EPA leadership is taking a higher interest in reviewing programs as a result in the change in the State and Agency Administrations. Compliance with thiobencarb permit conditions are under scrutiny and could result in changes to future use of this important herbicide. The monitoring results are our measure of compliance with the thiobencarb permit conditions

Following the sixth week of monitoring, we continue to see exceedances of the 1.5 µg/L (parts per billion) performance goal. For the month of May we recorded six exceedances and two so far in June. The numbers have not been extremely high, yet occurring later than normal in comparison to results from the previous years. Let’s hope the monitoring results recover to  acceptable levels in the drains. Fortunately, the river site and city drinking water intakes remain at non-detect for thiobencarb. This is rather unusual, since the percent of Sacramento River at the City of Sacramento intake is half that of the monitoring results from all previous years.

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California Warehouse Association – Foreign Materials Prevention
Industry News •

California Warehouse Association – Foreign Materials Prevention

The California Warehouse Association (CWA) has shared the following informational letter and best practices flyer:

As the new harvest season approaches, we hope this letter finds you well. This letter is a friendly reminder about the importance of maintaining the highest standards in keeping foreign materials out of trucks and bins. 

Our collective efforts to ensure purity and quality of the rice we handle are crucial not only for the success of our individual operations, but also for upholding the reputation of the entire California rice industry. Contaminants and foreign materials can compromise the quality of our product, lead to costly issues down the line, and impact our relationships with customers and partners. 

Here are a few best practices to keep in mind: 

1. Regular Inspections: Implement routine checks to ensure that all trucks and bins are clean and free from any residual materials before loading. A thorough inspection can help prevent cross-contamination. 

2. Training and Awareness: Ensure that all staff involved in the handling and transportation of rice are well-trained on procedures for maintaining cleanliness and avoiding contamination. 

3. Clear Protocols: Maintain clear and effective protocols for addressing any issues that arise, and make sure these protocols are communicated and followed consistently. 

4. Maintenance: Regularly maintain and clean all equipment and facilities used in the handling and storage of rice to prevent contamination. 

Our shared commitment to these practices will not only help us maintain the high standards of our product but also contribute to a smoother and more efficient harvest season. We ask that you share these reminders with your growers and farm bins. A one-page flyer is included with this letter that can be easily distributed. The flyer can be downloaded here. 

Thank you for your attention to this important matter, and for your ongoing dedication to the quality of California’s rice industry. 

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Wishing you a successful and bountiful harvest season!

Drew Becker 
CWA President

For more information please contact the California Warehouse Association at (916) 441-1149 or email brooke@agamsi.com.