Workshop Set to Discuss Eversource, DOT Herbicides

Eversource and the Connecticut Department of Transportation have been invited to a workshop with the Board of Selectmen and public on October 7 at 7:00 pm.

The topic is chemicals. Specifically, it is about the spraying of herbicides and pesticides in town.

The workshop will be conducted virtually, on Zoom.

To join by telephone: (646) 558-8656
Webinar ID: 843 5877 3695
Passcode: 584986

In a letter to representatives of the agencies, First Selectwoman Samantha Nestor said, “The purpose of this workshop will be to have Eversource and the CT DOT explain their use of pesticides and herbicides within Weston’s borders and to allow for citizens to ask questions and express their concerns with the current vegetation management process.”

Recently, Ms. Nestor has received several complaints about a significant number of trees that were removed by Eversource and expressions of concern about herbicides the company plans to spray — or perhaps already has — on power line easements.

In her letter, the First Selectwoman asked Eversource and DOT to suspend spraying until the Town can determine if the chemicals are safe. So far, neither organization has replied to the request.

Eversource publishes extensive information on its website about its vegetation management program, mainly about why and how trees are removed. Little reference is made to herbicides, and no detail is provided about what chemicals are actually used.

But in an April Cape Cod Times article, a spokesman for the company acknowledged a “limited and targeted use” of glyphosate, the controversial key ingredient of the Roundup-brand weed killer.

On State roads such as Route 57, the Department of Transportation is known to apply a product called Aquaneat, also glyphosate-based, for weed control.

Both Eversource and DOT insist that their limited use of glyphosate poses no public health risk and that their programs represent only a tiny amount of the total use of herbicides. Homeowners undoubtedly account for a much greater percentage.

It’s about water

The aforementioned Cape Cod Times article has to do with objections in Brewster, Massachusetts to the use of herbicides by Eversource. Brewster, like Weston, is almost entirely reliant on its groundwater supply.

On September 23 at 7:00, Lachat Town Farm hosts an informational program titled “How Clean is Your Water?”

Norwalk River Watershed President Louise Washer will lead a discussion on how to improve water quality at home, in rivers, and in the Long Island sound. The event is free and in-person. Members of Sustainable Weston, the Pollinator Pathway, Lachat Town Farm, the Weston Garden Club, and Town officials will participate.

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