Water Agency Investigating Complaint of Manure Near Novato Creek

The San Francisco Regional Water Quality Board is investigating a claim that a local farm is illegally spreading manure near O’Hair Park, causing contamination of nearby Novato Creek.

Spreading manure over fields to fertilize them is common practice in agricultural communities. But one Novato resident says a local farmer is breaking the law by spreading manure too close to Novato Creek, where she and many other Novato residents come to walk their dogs.

“If the rancher simply followed the environmental laws, specifically the 100 foot riparian setback, it would probably not be a problem,” says Nanette Brichetto, a Novato resident. Brichetto says her dog developed a skin rash last summer after playing in Novato Creek in O’Hair Park, which she attributes to alleged contamination.

“Many other dog walkers that I chat with along the trail have experienced the same skin problems with their pets, and children as well,” she said, adding that manure has high levels of nitrates and ammonia that are dangerous. ”This means no one can enjoy the creek once again.”

But the farmer, Jim McIssac, whose fields are located next to the park and whose family has ranched in West Marin since the 1950s, says he is not doing anything improper.

“This is liquid manure and it’s going on very thin without running into the creek,” McIssac told Patch Friday. He says he even went out to the creek to collect a water sample to test the water quality. “These allegations are really far-fetched.”

James Ponton, a senior geologist with the Water Board, says the agency is looking into the claim and will send out an investigator next week to assess the situation. He says there is no specific allowable distance between the area of application and the waterway. Instead, the agency looks for evidence that the manure is impacting water quality.

“it depends on many conditions...Is it a flat field? Is it hilly? Does it flood?" Ponton said. "But the bottom line is we are taking this complaint seriously.” 

Are you concerned about the possible contamination of local creeks from Marin County farms? Are you a frequent visitor to O'Hair Park? Share your thoughts below.