Lake Bluff Parks Will Change Spraying Procedures

The Lake Bluff Park District has agreed to change the chemical they use to spray public areas and make an effort to coordinate with the local school calendar to spray during days off after a request made from a local environmental group.

According to the Daily North Shore, Green Minds Lake Bluff sent a letter to the District requesting they stop using Triplet Low Odor by Nufarm, which the group says “is among the ‘most toxic’ range of herbicides that can be used for broadleaf weed control.”

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“One big concern is that this also is the choice of broadleaf control in Blair Park which is right next to Lake Bluff Elementary School where children spend a majority of their day,” read the letter, which also requested the District discontinue spraying on school days.

“The bottom line is that you are choosing to use a pesticide that has the highest level toxicity rating around areas where children learn and play. That doesn’t feel like sound judgment,” it continues.

“At a minimum we feel Lake Bluff should reduce the toxicity rating of the chemicals used to control weeds around schools and on parks where children play, but ideally we would like to see you converting into natural lawns and dramatically reduce your use of pesticides.”

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A petition with more than 225 signatures followed the letter.

The official language adopted by the Park Board indicates the chemicals sprayed will change from “high toxicity” to “low toxicity.”

The board also voted to close the park during applications of the spraying and keep it closed until the spray is dry on the plant.

Staff will also inform the public of its application at least one full day ahead of time.

more via the Daily North Shore

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