Environmental Groups Unite to Oppose Moodus Reservoir Herbicide Treatment

Members of several environmentally focused non-profit organizations have come together to write a letter to the DEEP and several government officials. The letter opposes the planned treatment of glyphosate, an herbicide, on the Lower Moodus Reservoir. The treatment, which was approved by the DEEP, is planned for Thursday, July 18.

Residents came together to start a petition on change.org, which now has almost 220 signatures opposing the treatment. Word continued to spread after Environment Headlines highlighted the planned spraying. Now, an announcement on Patch reveals that five non-profit organizations have come together to write a letter to oppose the treatment, which targets lily pads. 

The letter is signed by representatives from Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Clean Water Action, Connecticut Fund for the Environment, Environment Connecticut and Watershed Partnership. The letter was sent to Mr. Daniel C. Esty, Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

Copies were also sent to Governor Dannel P. Malloy, Deputy Commissioner Macky McCleary of the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Bradford Robinson, the Pesticide Program Supervisor at DEEP, Sen. Art Linares, State Senator, 33rd District, Rep. Melissa Ziobron, State Representative, 34th District, and Mr. Mark Walter, 1st Selectman of East Haddam.

The letter reads as follows:

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.