TIPS TO PROTECT YOUR FAMILY FROM NSTAR SPRAYING

The State of MA (MA Dept. of Agricultural Resources or MDAR) is not requiring the utility NSTAR to re-notify residents of upcoming herbicide spraying of rights –of-way (electrical easements) and will not halt the spraying to let the appeal process work. (It’s in the regulations but MDAR is ignoring it.)

NSTAR’s subcontractors have started spraying herbicides in Sandwich, so please be on the lookout for them. If you see applicators along power lines, let us know.
Contact: info@GreenCAPE.org or call 508.362.5927; More info about the NSTAR spraying on www.GreenCAPE.org and the GreenCAPE Face Book page Like us on Facebook!

WHAT TO DO PRIOR TO SPRAYING
~ Relocate sensitive persons from your home before subcontractors start applying herbicides. Remove sensitive persons from the home during and immediately after the spraying if you have any concerns about possible immediate health problems.

~ Close windows. Keep children and animals away from sprayed areas until the next significant rain.
~ Leave shoes outside to keep chemicals from getting in your home. Herbicides stay remain in house dust for years
~ Bring in toys, outside furniture, pet dishes, etc. prior to spraying.
~ Harvest your vegetable gardens prior to spraying and don’t harvest after the spraying.

~ When driving through an area that has been recently sprayed, close your windows and vents, putting your car's fan on maximum recirculation.

~ Contact Bill Hayes, Senior Arborist with NSTAR at 1-800-592-2000 and request an exemption for your property.

~Call your town Dept. of Health and State Rep. if an exemption is not agreed upon

IF APPLICATOR HASN’T STARTED SPRAYING YET

~ If you are elderly or have any immune system issues (e.g. cancer, Lyme disease, HIV/AIDS, asthma, chemical sensitivity, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Crohn’s disease,  MS, diabetes, thyroid disease, Parkinson’s, etc.) you   should approach the subcontractors hired by NSTAR and let them know exposure to herbicides will impact your health.
~Insist on an exemption from spraying based on your health or the health of family members.
~ Ask to see if the applicators have the maps of water wells and water bodies, wetlands, endangered species habitat, etc.
~Ask to meet the person overseeing the applications or monitoring spraying and ask for his name.

~Ask him how they determining wind velocity.
~Ask if setbacks from wells and other bodies of water are posted.

DO NOT ENDANGER YOURSELF BY GOING OUTDOORS ONCE SPRAYING BEGINS

THE LABEL IS THE LAW
~ It is illegal for NSTAR to spray if the wind is less than 3 MPH or more than 10 miles /hour. Spraying outside of this window is a violation of state law. Report it.

DOCUMENT WHAT YOU SEE

~Take photos and videos to insure against procedure violations but don’t endanger yourself by going outdoors to record.

~Take follow-up photos/videos of the sprayed area at intervals until next fall with attention to areas of overspray on your property.

~Record date & time of spraying, weather, and wind velocity-- the damage will not be immediately evident and will be more obvious in the spring:

~Record info about the spraying truck: license number, business name and any type of spray device, how far away, how was spray directed?

~Could you see spray being released off target? What property was being sprayed?

~Document any effects you notice immediately: smell, strange behavior of bees/animals, irritation to eyes or mucous membranes, headache, nausea, other symptoms.

REPORT ANY POSSIBLE VIOLATIONS OR EXPOSURES TO: MDAR,- Michael McClean at 617-626-1781; your local Dept. of Health, and GreenCAPE at 508.362.5927.

IN CASE OF ILLNESS DUE TO HERBICIDE EXPOSURE
~ In the case of physical illness of people or animals, see a physician or veterinarian to confirm symptoms, obtain a diagnosis, and receive treatment. Get a written report signed by the physician or veterinarian. (Note: Many    physicians and veterinarians are not familiar with the symptoms of pesticide poisoning, many of which resemble symptoms of a cold or flu.) Tell them about your exposure and make sure they make a note of it.

Sue Phelan, GreenCAPE