Pittsfield Halts Mosquito-Spray Program
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Board of Health has shutdown the chemical spray part of the city's mosquito-eradication program, saying the public hasn't been adequately informed about the process.
Director of Health James Wilusz said on Tuesday that more should be done to inform the public about the program, including a "written procedure and protocol" prior to spraying.
"People should be able to weigh in whether or not they want spraying on their property," he said.
Ward 6 City Councilor John Krol, however, said in an e-letter to his constituents late Monday that residents have been informed about the process.
"In spite of numerous public meetings, media reports and interviews, and an 11-0 City Council vote, the chairman [Dr. Philip Adamo] of the Board of Health is concerned that the public has not received its due 'major media campaign' that the board feels will allow the public to fully understand the pros and cons of the spraying aspect of the program — ranging from public health concerns to the bee population."
Krol said residents of his ward have called the Mosquito Control Board requesting spraying in specific areas and that more than 90 percent of those who responded to his e-letter survey had expressed support for the program. He's asked Ward 6 residents to give him their opinion on the program and process here.
The city enrolled in a state mosquito-control program three weeks ago. The program includes the collection and testing of adult mosquitoes for diseases that could threaten human health. Other aspects of the program are larviciding, adulticiding and water management (hand cleaning of drainage ditches). Clarksburg, Hinsdale, Otis, Sheffield, Stockbridge and Tyringham are among the other participating Berkshire towns.
Wilusz said the mosquito breeding season is coming to an end and it's possible that by the time the board's concerns are addressed, there will not be mosquitoes left to spray.
According to The Berkshire Eagle, several neighborhoods in southeast Pittsfield, including Pomeroy Avenue, Williams and Elm streets and Holmes Road, were sprayed with adulticide chemicals early Monday before the plan was halted.
