A state investigation into herbicide use at New Orleans’ City Park concluded with inconclusive findings, leaving many resident concerns unaddressed. The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) criticized the contractor responsible for spraying for failing to provide complete records of chemical quantities and treated areas. The department stated this would lead to enforcement actions but did not specify what those actions would entail. Herbicides have long been used in the park to control invasive species like green salvinia and water hyacinth, but the practice has raised questions about potential risks to native wildlife, pets, and public health.
A complaint filed in August questioned the safety of herbicide use in a park frequented by children, pets, and fishermen. It also called for better public safety measures, such as warning signage about potential dangers. The investigation found no evidence linking herbicide use to reports of turtle deaths in the park and determined that incomplete data provided by the contractor was within acceptable limits. The agency declined to recommend signage, citing the lack of legal requirements.
Residents have expressed concerns about whether the chemicals pose risks to the environment and park visitors. Some alleged improper application practices, including excessive spraying and insufficient protective gear. However, the contractor maintains that herbicides are essential for managing invasive weeds and emphasized compliance with state licensing requirements.
LDAF investigators noted missing records on several spraying dates this summer, making it difficult to assess whether applications fully complied with pesticide regulations. While the investigation highlighted deficiencies in record-keeping, it did not address broader concerns about health and environmental safety.
City Park Conservancy defends its use of herbicides, stating that all chemicals are approved by federal regulators and are vital for controlling invasive plants that overwhelm lagoons during the growing season. This year, treatments were applied throughout the park except for the sculpture garden area. Despite these assurances, concerns from park visitors remain, with many questioning the safety and transparency of herbicide use in an urban environment. The investigation’s findings leave key questions unanswered, fueling ongoing frustration among residents.