CAMPAIGNS

VICTORY FOR ENVIRONMENTALISTS AND THE PUBLIC:
Mosquito Control and Pesticide Study Underway in Suffolk County

Suffolk County has the largest mosquito control program in the Northeast. This program includes the application of larvicides and adulticides, as well as the ditching of 660 miles of wetlands. The program is largely a “nuisance” mosquito control program. CCE believes that the widespread use of pesticides and wetlands alterations need to be studied to determine their impacts on both human and wildlife populations.

In 2001, CCE joined forces with other environmental groups, including the Peconic Baykeeper and the Long Island Sierra Club, to convince Suffolk County to study the environmental and public health effects caused by Suffolk County’s mosquito control program. In February 2002, the County agreed to conduct an Environmental Impact Study (EIS) to assess the effects of its mosquito control program on wetlands habitat, wildlife, bays and estuaries, as well as potential human health impacts.

The environmental study will provide the information for Suffolk County to develop a new plan for mosquito control. Suffolk County has hired a consultant firm whose overall objective will be to develop a Long-Term Suffolk County Vector Control and Wetlands Management Plan. The goal of the plan will be to minimize pesticide usage and optimize environmental quality. The consultant developing the management plan will conduct an extensive literature search, interview experts in appropriate fields, collect, process and analyze existing data from County and other sources, select and conduct experiments and pilot projects, identify a preferred vector control strategy, and then analyze the risks associated with the control of mosquitoes to those associated with alternative management means and a “no action” alternative.

The development of the management plan will be overseen by a Steering Committee, composed of representatives from the County Executive, the Presiding Officer of the County Legislature, the Commissioners of Suffolk County Department of Public Works and Suffolk County Department of Health Services, the Commissioner of NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and the Chair of Suffolk County Committee on Environmental Quality. A Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) and a Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) will advise the Steering Committee.

CCE is an active member of the CAC. In addition, we attend all the TAC and any related meetings associated with the development of this important study and the Long Term Plan. The development of the study and the Long-Term Plan will be a lengthy process, yet the outcome will be significant. It is quite likely that the outcome of this study will be utilized in many areas throughout the country and, in particular, the Northeast. CCE is committed to our role as a watchdog to ensure a final product that is comprehensive and protective of the health and safety of our environment and the public.