Concerns over 'low toxic' pesticide spark outrage
Subject: Concerns over 'low toxic' pesticide spark outrage
Date: Mon, 17 Sep 2001 17:38:33 -0400
From: Stephen Tvedten <steve@getipm.com>
Organization: Get Set Inc. (www.getipm.com)
To: Paul Helliker <phelliker@cdpr.ca.gov>
Director, State of
California, Department of Pesticide Regulation
cc: Christine Whitman whitman.christine@epa.gov
Dear Mr. Helliker, I thought you might like to read an article entitled: Concerns over 'low toxic' pesticide spark outrage By CHARLES OWENS of the Daily Telegraph staff dated: September 11, 2001
TAZEWELL, Va. - The mysterious placement of a "low toxic" pesticide on the football field at Richlands High School prompted outrage Monday by members of the Tazewell County School Board. The board also heard complaints Monday from parents angered over an unidentified school employee, who allegedly passed notes to students at an unidentified school. Eugene Compton, the board's attorney, advised the board members not to comment regarding the ongoing investigation.
The pesticide concerns were raised by Ben Musick of Richlands, who said the pesticide was placed on the field just prior to a regularly scheduled game of the Richlands Midget League team.
"No one told us in advance," Musick said. "We are here tonight because we want cooperation with the Richlands High School administration."
James Wade, a parent who spoke at the meeting, said his son's physical education class went out on the field, and were apparently unaware of the pesticide. Wade said one student's legs were "plum eaten up with something. His mom is going to take him to the hospital."
Jan White, chairman of the School Board, said she was "appalled" by the action. School Superintendent Don Hodock said it was unclear as to who authorized the use of the pesticide, adding no one from the administration or maintenance offices knew the pesticide would be placed on the field.
Hodock said a small advertisement was apparently placed in one newspaper, but said he did not know who put the advertisement in the paper.
Vice-Chairman Tom Witten said he was "worried to no end that someone may have been exposed to this."
Witten introduced a motion authorizing the midget league to use the football field in Richlands during their regular football season. The motion passed unanimously. Witten said the field "is a public field for anyone to play on," adding it should not be limited to just high school football.
A number of parents spoke in concern of the unidentified school employee who allegedly passed notes to students. Compton said the board could not respond.
"The law of Virginia prevents the School Board from discussing any employee matters in a public session," Compton said. "They are concerned about the children, but the law prevents them from discussing those matters with you or anyone else in a public meeting."
©Bluefield Daily Telegraph 2001 http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=2337184&BRD=2088&PAG=461&dept_id=346229&rfi=6</A>
Well Mr. Helliker, are you beginning to understand why Fairfax wants to be notified before your "registered" POISONS are being used/misused?
Respectfully, Stephen L. Tvedten
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