Banning Dangerous Pesticides on Long Island
The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has detected 117 active pesticides found in Long Island's water supply. These toxic chemicals have been detected in both public and private wells, as well as in Long Island surface waters. Of these pesticides, atrazine, metalaxyl, and imidacloprid are the most prevalent and pose the greatest risk to public health and the environment. Of the 13,364 pesticide products registered for use in New York, the DEC has prohibited the use of 339 pesticides on Long Island, and restricted use of 155 others. Now the DEC needs to ban the three most toxic offenders!
Victory! Recent public outcry over atrazine contamination of drinking water supplies on Long Island has pressured Makhteshim Agan of North America (MANA), Long Island's main manufacturer of atrazine, to restrict the sale, use, and distribution of the toxic chemical on Long Island effective in 2014. Now it is time to ban the two most toxic offenders, Metalaxyl and Imidacloprid! In addition to human health impacts, Metalaxyl is toxic to birds, and Imidacloprid is contributing to declining bee populations on Long Island.
The DEC's Long Island Pesticide Pollution Prevention Strategy
After more than a decade, the DEC finally released the Long Island Pesticide Pollution Strategy, which went into effect July 11, 2014. The strategy lays out a plan that seeks to prevent pesticide contamination by implementing various measures focusing on alternatives, best management practices, and the ability to restrict products. The plan recognizes the need to protect Long Island's waters from toxic pesticides and is a solid blueprint for protecting human health and the environment. The strategy, implemented swiftly and correctly, can reduce pesticides in our ground and surface waters. CCE will participate in the process and work to address pesticide contamination, especially from the three most prevalent pesticides found in Long Island waters.
Updated by amcclelland 7/16/14