LOCAL RESIDENTS REQUEST GOVERNOR’S HELP WITH HERBICIDE PROBLEM IN NORTH KLAMATH COUNTY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bend, Oregon, United States of America (Free-Press-Release.com) January 13, 2012 --

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LOCAL RESIDENTS REQUEST GOVERNOR’S HELP WITH HERBICIDE PROBLEM IN NORTH KLAMATH COUNTY

Residents are incensed. Klamath County sprayed herbicide OutPost 22K containing Picloram in North County subdivisions (summer, 2010). This summer, residents noticed dying trees and clusters of health symptoms in people and pets. Resident complaints to Klamath County and State agencies only resulted in an investigation of plants and soil by the Oregon Department of Agriculture. In a collaborative effort with 70 signers from Redmond to Klamath Falls, John Huddle sent an open letter (attached) to Governor Kitzhaber requesting he order a rapid and transparent investigation by all appropriate agencies.

John Huddle states: “It is amazing to me that any agency would ignore the product label of herbicide OutPost 22K.” [/] The specimen label states: Do not allow run-off or spray to contaminate wells, irrigation ditches or any body of water used for irrigation or domestic purposes. .. when circumstances favor movement from treatment site. .. in a way that will contact workers or persons either directly or through drift. .. during the restricted entry interval (REI) of 12 hours. OutPost 22K should not be applied on residential or commercial lawns or near ornamental trees or shrubs. .. within the root zone of desirable trees... John also stated: “While there are liability issues for the County, County and State agencies must set aside those concerns and investigate or request an outside, independent investigation. To do nothing is unacceptable!”

The letter urges the Governor to use his executive powers to ensure that all agencies work together for the benefit of affected residents and us all. On December 29, 2011, Klamath County stated they would investigate. Reportedly, only the Oregon Department of Agriculture has investigated. The Oregon Health Authority and the Klamath County Health Department need to use appropriate methods to investigate ingestion by people or pets. Those agencies should remember that people were unaware of exposure until a year after application; they must test in a manner that is sensitive to the time of exposure. Water and soil tests are insufficient.

Affected residents, who do not feel Klamath County or State agencies are responding appropriately, should contact the Governor’s Deputy Communications Director, Ian Greenfield, ian.greenfield@state.or.us. He can direct them to the appropriate contact within the Governor’s office.

Agent White     contamination     herbicides     OutPost 22K     pesticide application     Picloram     senior citizens     veterans