PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Parks Commission is deferring to the Health Department on whether or not the public parks should be sprayed for mosquitoes.
The Berkshire County Mosquito Control Project heads efforts to prevent mosquito-spread disease through a control program, using pesticides to limit the population. There is an option for property owners to exempt their land from being sprayed and Parks Commissioner Joe Durwin, a strong opponent of the use of the chemicals, proposed using that exemption for city parks unless there is a public health emergency.
"There is a lot of debate about the efficacy and the residue," Durwin said. "It was a very murky area when this was reviewed a few years ago."
The program had come under heat a few years ago when a group of citizens launched an effort to halt the use of the spray. They argued that it was not effective in controlling the population but rather posed many more environmental and health issues.
Durwin sat on an ad hoc committee looking for alternative ways to prevent the spread of diseases through mosquitoes but ultimately, those recommendations were never enacted. Now a parks commissioner, Durwin remains in opposition to the use of the sprays and petitioned the board to stop using it in city parks.
"There is a human health component especially when you have kids playing," Durwin said, adding that there is evidence showing that environmental impacts are still very unclear and that the chemicals last longer than being portrayed by those in the business of mosquito control.
His proposal would be that the city adopts a policy in which no chemicals be used unless there is a clear public heath risk with mosquitoes. The policy is the same as the Mass Audubon Society.
"I feel that it is warranted based on the findings a couple years ago in the study process," he said.
The Health Department had already rejected the opponent's push to halt the use of the sprays and this year approved yet another program. The Board of Health felt that the overwhelming evidence showed that the chemicals do not pose a health or environmental concerns.
"I don't think Mr. Durwin has accurate information," Berkshire Mosquito Control Project Superintendent Christopher Horton said. "It was science that was advocacy science, trying to cherry pick data that supports their opinion."
To which Durwin responded, that Horton isn't a "reliable source of information."
Horton continues to say that all products used are registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and are both "effective and safe." The truck-mounted spray dissolved in the air and kills mosquitoes it encounters before it hits the ground. And a barrier spray lasts until it rains.
Health Director Gina Armstrong says the use of the chemicals is a rarity. The spraying is determined through specific guidelines established based on the finding of diseases and the number and species of mosquitoes.
"We do have a program that can apply mosquito control in a very safe manner and with a lot of community awareness," Armstrong said.
Last year there were only two applications, one of which was in response to significantly high numbers of mosquitoes and the other was a request. That request returned again this year - for the Springside Park Gala.
Ward 1 Councilor Lisa Tully had put in a request for a barrier spray to be used before the gala to prevent mosquitoes from being a nuisance to guests. While the Parks Commission is deferring to the Health Department when it comes to following the program, it is not for special requests like Tully's.
In a motion, the Parks Commission agreed to follow the Health Department's lead but to deny any special requests for spraying for events.
"Clearly this is one of those situations where either side of the fence has valid arguments," Commissioner Anthony DeMartino said. "I don't think any of us thinks purely nuisance control is a valid reason. However, public safety is."
The motion was suggested by Chairman Simon Muil and was made by Durwin. But, Durwin ultimately became the sole vote against it, still pushing for a policy to exempt the parks completely.
Last year was the "season that never was" when it came to mosquito control. But, this year Berkshire County Mosquito Control Project Superintendent Christopher Horton is back at it with approval for the 2017 plan from the Board of Health.
Residents are encouraged to close windows and doors, turn off fans and air conditioners, stay inside, rinse produce with water and remove laundry from clotheslines.
The state Department of Public Health announced on Friday that the woman in her 70s will be released from the hospital soon but the finding raising the risk level for the city from moderate to high.
"This evidence confirms that significant levels of virus are present in the environment and it is important to do everything possible to avoid mosquito bites." — BCMCP Superintendent Christopher Horton
The infected mosquito was found among a group of specimens that were trapped in the Williams Street area. The city plans to heavily treat that area with insecticides.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
Your Comments
iBerkshires.com welcomes critical, respectful dialogue. Name-calling, personal attacks, libel, slander or foul language is not allowed. All comments are reviewed before posting and will be deleted or edited as necessary.
No Comments
Tickets On Sale for Berkshire Flyer
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Amtrak, in conjunction with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) and New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), announced tickets are now on sale for the Berkshire Flyer.
The Berkshire Flyer is a seasonal summer passenger rail service that operates between New York City from Moynihan Train Hall and Pittsfield. The service, which began as a successful pilot in 2022, is scheduled to resume on Friday, June 21 through Monday, Sept. 2 for Labor Day weekend. Trains depart New York City Friday nights and return at the end of the weekend, leaving Pittsfield Sunday afternoon.
In addition, for the first time this year, the Berkshire Flyer service now includes a train from New York City to Pittsfield on Sunday mornings.
"We're thrilled to announce this season's Berkshire Flyer service," said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. "The Berkshire Flyer makes visiting Western Massachusetts on weekends convenient, relaxing, and easy. We are pleased to continue our successful partnership with Amtrak, the New York State Department of Transportation and CSX."
The Berkshire Flyer departs from Moynihan Train Hall at 3:16 p.m. on Fridays and arrives at Joseph Scelsi Intermodal Transportation Center in Pittsfield at 7:27 p.m. The train will make all intermediate station stops as the scheduled Amtrak Empire Service train does in New York State on Fridays, which include Yonkers, Croton-Harmon, Poughkeepsie, Rhinecliff, Hudson, and Albany-Rensselaer Station.
The Sunday return trip, making all the same station stops, will depart Pittsfield at 3:35 p.m. and arrive in New York at 7:55 p.m. The new Sunday Berkshire Flyer train from New York City to Pittsfield will depart Moynihan Train Hall at 10:50 a.m. and arrive in Pittsfield at 3:15 p.m.
The Berkshire Flyer is building upon two successful seasons where some of the Pittsfield-bound trains were sold out well in advance. Based on that experience, passengers planning a trip are encouraged to purchase tickets early by visiting Amtrak.com, the Amtrak app or by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL.
Albert Ingegni III was applauded for four decades of service on the Zoning Board of Appeals during City Council. Mayor Peter Marchetti presented him with a certificate of thanks for his commitment to the community.
click for more
Between disagreements about site design and a formal funding process not yet established, more time is needed before a decision can be made.
click for more
The Ordinances and Rules subcommittee on Monday unanimously supported a pay raise for election workers, free downtown parking for veterans, and safeguards to better protect wetlands.
click for more
A parking study of North Street will be presented at Tuesday's City Council meeting. The design maintains parallel parking while expanding pedestrian zones and adding protected bike lanes. click for more