The State - News from June 26, 1988

Bureau of Land Management officials are warning hikers and campers to stay away from a tainted 30-acre section of land along the Idria Road in San Benito County 33 miles northeast of Coalinga. The area, site of a campground under construction, was accidentally sprayed with a highly toxic chemical compound called 1040. The chemical is contained in oats scattered on the ground to kill ground squirrels. Bureau officials said a rancher who owns adjacent property accidentally had a crop duster pilot spray the campground area. The rancher had permission to place the poisoned oats on his own land. Officials say there is little danger from just walking through the area but the poisoned oats could kill dogs and could be fatal for small children who might eat some of the oats.