USGS Studies the Impact of Insecticides on Northwestern Clackamas County Streams

The City of Milwaukie contributed to an environmental study that was undertaken by Clackamas County stormwater permit co-permittees who partnered with the USGS. The study investigated pesticides present in urban stormwater, streams and creeks in our respective communities.

Two sites were selected within the City of Milwaukie for study:

1. A stormwater outfall on Kellogg Creek behind Rowe Middle School
2. Minthorn Spring Creek near the intersection of SE Linwood and SE Harmony Rd.

The chemical appearing to cause the most toxicity was bifenthrin, a broad-spectrum insecticide used to kill insect pests around homes and businesses.

“Because aquatic insects provide food for fish, birds and other wildlife, it is critical to better understand the full impact from this insecticide, including whether it is entering the food chain,” said Kurt Carpenter, USGS hydrologist and co-lead on the study.

For any questions, please contact Shane Hart, stormwater supervisor, at 503-786-7679.