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| By Robin Crosbie Longmeadow Town Manager The Town has an integrated pest management (IPM) system for control of weeds and animal pests. This plan conforms to state law and is on file in the Park and Recreation office, the School Department and the Board of Health. A paid advertisement in the June 30 "Longmeadow News" regarding the town's use of pesticides on playing fields misrepresents the facts in such a manner as to frighten the public. Here are the facts: The Board of Health has been made aware of this plan and has a copy on file. The product used is Millennium Ultra 970. It contains 0.861% of a chemical referred to as 2,4-D. This product at this level has been approved by the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The product was applied by a company licensed in the application of this product. The chemical2,4-D is found in similar concentrations in commonly used residential lawn care products such as Scotts Turf Builder (0.61%). Fields were posted for five days after application, as required by law. Additional notices were posted and all schools and sports associations were notified. This application is made once a year and is applied only to designated athletic fields, not to open park areas. The purpose of the application is to reduce broadleaf weeds so that fields can meet the standards of sports teams using them. The town is looking into other alternatives and is hopeful that once the broadleaf weeds are controlled on these fields, further applications may be reduced or made unnecessary. Like many chemicals used to protect public health and safety or improve lifestyles, such as chlorine in pools or drinking water or personal bug spray to protect against mosquitoes and ticks, herbicides must be used with care and caution. The town is concerned about the health and safety of its citizens and children. We are cautious and considerate when using any product that poses health concerns, using only licensed applicators and applying no more than is necessary to achieve results. It troubles us that a group has mischaracterized the safe and responsible use of the products. For more information or to request a copy of the plan, contact Michael McCarty at 565-4160. |