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Hearing on School "No-spray" Zone04-30-07 | News

Hearing on School "No-spray" Zone

An Oregon bill that proposes a "no-spray" buffer zone around Oregon schools has been the subject of a recent hearing between environmentalists, educators and scientists on one side and agricultural and forestry interests on the other. The measure would prohibit a state-licensed pesticide applicator from aerial spraying within a mile of school property and backpack spraying within a half mile away during the academic year. The bill would also prohibit spraying within mile of a road that serves a school property during commute times.

There were many voices heard during the recent hearing. Springfield farm owner George Grier explained that he has tried to avoid spraying near the middle school located near his farm, but he said some weeds can only be controlled by spraying. Controlling weeds by other means, he said, has other environmental consequences because he has to use a tractor.

Paul Engelking, a University of Oregon chemistry professor, said that agricultural spray drifts farther than farm industry literature indicates. His research on agricultural spraying was developed after he studied drift of chemical agents for the U.S. Army.

Environmental lobbyist Sybil Ackerman said that members of the Oregon Conservation Network support the bill, but it hasn't got the top priority that has gone to renewable energy, keeping toxins out of rivers, and improving the recycling of computers.

While Paulette Pyle, an opposing lobbyist for Oregonians for Food and Shelter, said that defeating the bill was a top priority of her clients. "There's no compromise."

Source: The Register-Guard