Share: 

We need pioneering efforts in Lewes

March 10, 2017

In the Cape Gazette of Feb. 24, Dr. Richard N. Palmer makes excellent suggestions about alternatives to using chemical poisons for the control of unwanted biota in the City of Lewes. Rather than repeat his well-stated concerns, this note addresses steps that the City of Lewes can take toward lessening the deleterious effects of chemicals used on the Lewes landscape.

Here, it would be appropriate to make a reference to current Lewes protocols for the use of chemicals on city property, but I could find no such protocols to guide employees, city subcontractors, volunteers, or others. From what I've seen in the last couple of years, there are no restrictions. Among other outcomes, the establishment of protocols would show that the city is serious with its concern for taking steps to ensure the safety and quality of our water supply.

The City of Lewes could be the first city in the State of Delaware to develop protocols for the use of chemicals on city property. The protocols would serve to avoid unintended harm to both residents and visitors, city employees and volunteers, and pets and wildlife. Restrictions would also apply to 'neighbors' who wish to kill plants or other biota in a city park, supposedly to beautify the park. Such 'neighborly' spraying would be controlled by the protocols established by the city.

The presumption that protocols are needed is the result of observations in the last couple of years. In an area that is regularly visited by either children or pets, such as a park, informative signage would seem to be a requirement for any application of chemicals. When chemicals are sprayed on city streets to kill weeds, it is befuddling logic that a dead brown weed is nicer to look at than is a healthy green weed; unless the cracks in pavement are repaired, the weeds will be back.

Basic training would require that the user at least follow the label suggestions of the manufacturer of the chemical, including: restrictions on use, appropriate signage, and safety concerns. Basic signage would note applicable cautions for both children and pets. Site concerns would address usage prohibitions for wetland areas or near water, such as in the George H. P. Smith Park.

The spread of toxic or cancer-associated chemicals is not expected to improve the health of those who are exposed to the chemicals. While a manufacturer’s usage restrictions may warn about the exposure of children to chemicals, there is never a suggestion that an unwarranted exposure to toxic chemicals is good for adults. The health of a grandparent is just as important as is the health of a grandchild; each benefits from the presence of the other.

The earliest settlers of Lewes might have noted that being a pioneer isn’t easy, but we need pioneering efforts. The establishment of chemical-deployment protocols for city property would be good for the health of Lewes’ visitors and residents, and it would be a first in the First State.

George S. Cole
Lewes

 

  • A letter to the editor expresses a reader's opinion and, as such, is not reflective of the editorial opinions of this newspaper.

    To submit a letter to the editor for publishing, send an email to newsroom@capegazette.com. Letters must be signed and include a telephone number and address for verification. Please keep letters to 500 words or fewer. We reserve the right to edit for content and length. Letters should be responsive to issues addressed in the Cape Gazette rather than content from other publications or media. Only one letter per author will be published every 30 days. Letters restating information and opinions already offered by the same author will not be used. Letters must focus on issues of general, local concern, not personalities or specific businesses.

Subscribe to the CapeGazette.com Daily Newsletter