Pot farms: impacts to fish, wildlife and water quality

Illegal clandestine marijuana cultivation sites, also known as pot farms, are reaching epidemic levels, both on private and public lands, throughout California causing significant environmental resource damage. Habitats are... [ view full abstract ]

Illegal clandestine marijuana cultivation sites, also known as pot farms, are reaching epidemic levels, both on private and public lands, throughout California causing significant environmental resource damage. Habitats are being destroyed, fish are impacted and wildlife are either poached for food or killed to protect the crop. Sixty-five percent of California's water supply originates in the Cascade and Sierra Nevada Mountain Ranges. California’s water supply is being contaminated by clandestine marijuana cultivation sites. Both over the counter and illegal chemicals are being found in these grows. Malathion and containers with Spanish labels that contain non-registered California chemicals such as Tamaron (organophosphate - Methamidophos), Metafos (methyl parathion), Furdan (carbofuran), Agro-fum 57 (aluminum phosphide), Ratone (trizinc diphosphine), Fusfuro de zinc (zinc phosphide), DDT products, and chlordane are often found in these grows. These illegal chemicals are being imported into California as part of these illegal operations. Anti-coagulant rodenticides and fertilizers are the most common chemicals. Secondary mortality from anti-coagulants in predators is common. Streams are being dammed and diverted and the chemicals are mixed into the pooled water. The water is either allowed to flow down the stream channel or is piped to the plants. The contaminated "tail water" continues to flow downstream or during rain events after the growing season. The pot farms create trash piles, and contaminate soil and water. The negative environmental impacts have become cumulative because these illegal grows are used year after year.