Moodus Reservoir: Environmental Groups Unite, Send Letter of Concerns Regarding Herbicide Use in the Lake

July 15, 2013

Mr. Daniel C. Esty
Commissioner, Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
79 Elm Street
Hartford, CT  06106

RE: Herbicide Application in Lower Moodus Reservoir
 
Dear Commissioner Esty:

I am writing to you today on behalf of a partnership of Connecticut-based non-profit organizations committed to protecting natural resources and human health.
  
The undersigned organizations are strongly opposed to Lycott Environmental Inc.’s plan to spray 1.4 gallons of Rodeo aquatic weed and brush herbicide in the lower Moodus Reservoir in East Haddam, CT.

The Monsanto material safety data sheet for Rodeo states that the product is toxic if inhaled or ingested, and it contains strong warnings to avoid contact with children. 

The main ingredient in Rodeo (glyphosate) has a demonstrated toxicity to aquatic wildlife.  Frogs and amphibians are particularly vulnerable due to the high permeability of their skin.
  
Studies conducted by the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Pittsburg have concluded that products containing glyphosate can be lethal to fish and amphibians even at low levels.

It is our position that this product should only be used as a last resort; once all non-toxic alternatives have been exhausted.

As you may be aware, there is a growing opposition to this proposal among members of the Moodus community.

Residents have started a petition and collected over 200 signatures urging DEEP to revoke Lycott’s permit.
 
CCE and each of the undersigned groups strongly objects to the planned application of glyphosate, and respectfully requests a postponement so the agency may explore safer, non-toxic measures to deal with weeds and water lilies in Moodus Reservoir.

I am interested in meeting with you in the near future, as I understand that Lycott will commence spraying on Thursday, July 18.
  
Please contact me at your earliest convenience at (203)821-7050 or email lburch@citizenscampaign.org so we can discuss potential environmental impacts and safer alternatives.

Thank you in advance for your attention to this matter.

Louis W. Burch
Citizens Campaign for the Environment

Anne Hulick
Clean Water Action

Roger Reynolds
Connecticut Fund for the Environment

Chris Phelps
Environment Connecticut

Dr. Jerry Silbert
Watershed Partnership


*Copies of this letter were also sent to:

Governor Dannel P. Malloy

Deputy Commissioner Macky McCleary
CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection

Mr. Bradford Robinson
Pesticide Program Supervisor, DEEP

Sen. Art Linares
State Senator, 33rd District

Rep. Melissa Ziobron
State Representative, 34th District

Mr. Mark Walter
1st Selectman, East Haddam