A proposal by Suffolk County Legislator Jon Cooper (D-Huntington) to have the county investigate non-chemical alternatives to pesticides to control the mosquito population was approved by the Legislature at its meeting on August 31. Cooper's bill passed by a 15-3 vote.
Cooper's plan will require the Suffolk County Department of Public Works to conduct research on non-toxic mosquito control methods. The DPW will then be expected to provide recommendations to its Division of Vector Control regarding the implementation of pilot programs using non-toxic methods. The effectiveness of each pilot program will then be evaluated and a final report will be prepared for the Legislature by October 1, 2001.
Cooper has long been wary of the use of chemical pesticides to control mosquitos, a practice that has been used widely over the past two summers to combat the West Nile virus. Although Cooper is concerned about the immediate threat caused by the virus, he is also concerned about the potential long-term health hazards of pesticide spraying. Finding non-chemical alternatives to pesticides would better protect the health of Suffolk County residents, Cooper believes.
"The West Nile virus may be here to stay," Cooper said. "We need to find an effective way to deal with the virus that does not endanger the long-term health of Suffolk residents. With the passage of this legislation, we will be able to conduct the necessary in-depth investigation of non-chemical alternatives to pesticide spraying."
