The City and Chemicals - Let's Be More Responsible

The image of a boat with two men dressed in orange full-body Hazmat suits spraying chemicals directly into our water was plastered front page on the Northwestern two years. The chemicals sprayed included Navigate, Aquathol K, and Reward. Each of these chemicals are listed by the US Government as containing toxic and hazardous ingredients (29 CFR 1910.1200) with use being severely restricted in some states. Warning labels on the products and Material Safety data for these synthetic chemicals state the following:

- NAVIGATE:
"Contains Crystalline Silica - identified as a probable human carcinogen." "This product is hazardous to humans and domestic animals." "This product is toxic to fish. Drift or runoff may adversely affect fish and non-target plants." Statements were made at a council meeting that the chemical solutions become diluted and break down instantly, which is contrary to the Navigate warning label, which states "NAVIGATE is formulated on special heat treated attaclay granules that resist decomposition in water".

- AQUATHOL K:
"Causes irreversible eye damage, May be fatal if swallowed, May be fatal if inhaled, harmful if absorbed through skin". "Application to the skin of rats produced severe skin irritation, liver and kidney effects... and increased mortality." "Toxic to mysid shrimp and small mouth bass". "Decay of weeds (following treatment) may remove enough oxygen from the water, causing fish to suffocate."

- REWARD:
"May be fatal if inhaled". "This pesticide is toxic to aquatic invertebrates". "For application only to still water where there is minimal or no outflow to public waters". "Treatment of dense weed areas may result in oxygen loss from decomposition of dead weeds. This loss of oxygen may cause fish suffocation.


In addition to these warnings, as we've seen time after time after time again, long-term and unanticipated harmful effects of introducing harmful chemicals into our natural systems pop up. Claims are made about how safe, valuable, and extensively tested the synthetic chemicals are, and we only find out years later that lingering effects damaged water systems, reproductive systems in waterfowl, massive fish kills, etc. The Fox Valley and the entire Great Lakes region should be an expert on the shams possible following the PCB fiasco. A brief google search of any of these chemicals listed above produces sources which question their integrity, safety, and testing completeness.


Another concern is the effects to the animal life that is supposed to be present, including the fish. As we've seen from two years of testing, all of the weeds simply lay in the water, decomposing. Small quantities of fish end up along the shoreline entangled in the weeds. As indicated in the warnings, fish suffocation and fish kills are going to happen following application.


Now, I understand that much of the warnings are for direct exposure the the pure synthetic substance. But the real question exists - Do we really want to put these toxic chemicals into our water, water that our kids swim in, water that we fish from, and water that we utilize as our city's drinking source?


The city has undergone a study of the water area (appx 10 acres along Menominee Park) which is a good sign. The city is currently working on the development of a comprehensive sustainable plan which will include a water section. The Sustainability Advisory Board has basically endorsed the Natural Step process, with calls for the elimination of introducing synthetic chemicals into our natural systems. Numerous citizens, including at least one trained Biologist currently working with the DNR, have called for the city to cease the application of these synthetic chemicals into our water system. The movement towards responsible water management is a positive sign, but significantly more progress needs to happen, and quickly.


Anyone who reads the city logo "Oshkosh on the Water" and reads about the destructive measures the city takes in management of its water can see the irony. The Parks department will be meeting on April 13 at 6:00pm to discuss aquatic plant management options. According to the Oshkosh Northwestern today, "Acquatic ecologist Tim Hoyman, of Onterra, LLC, will be presenting findings from a comprehensive study he completed on the bay and will be available to answer questions." The meeting is at city hall rm 404, 215 Church St. This meeting is open to the public, and public comment is strongly encouraged. If you are unable to attend but would like to provide your position on this issue, send an email to the following:

1. City Manager Mark Rohloff: mrohloff@ci.oshkosh.wi.us
2. Mayor Frank Tower: ftower@ci.oshkosh.wi.us
3. Parks Director Tom Stephany: tstephany@ci.oshkosh.wi.us
4. Common Council: btower@ci.oshkosh.wi.us ,
dmchugh@ci.oshkosh.wi.us, bbain@ci.oshkosh.wi.us, jking@ci.oshkosh.wi.us, tpalmeri@ci.oshkosh.wi.us pesslinger@ci.oshkosh.wi.us

Or, if you send a letter by mail, address it to: "Name", 215 Church Ave, PO Box 1130, Oshkosh, WI 54903

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