I’m M.P. (Mike Pasner), farming with NID water for 36 years in P.V.

Today we are discussing risk:

The 4 organizational considerations are

1.     Operational

2.     Regulatory

3.     Environmental

4.     Financial and legal

NID’s herbicide use in it’s 700 mile ditch system is a risk in all four categories.

We must consider the legal responsibilities to land owners. Just saying we are obeying the current law in this country isn’t enough.  In order to do something to protect it’s customers NID must be proactive on it’s use of Round up and the copper based herbicides dumped directly into the water on72 miles of ditches. Evolving science is challenging the safety of Glyphosate use. The EPA’s safety findings are deeply flawed. On June 17th the 9th U.S. circuit court of appeals has found what we have long known. Round up is carcinogenic. The European union has banned the use of glyphosate along with many other countries. NID has taken to armoring (lining with rocks) ditches to control ditch widening. This method requires glyphosate to maintain these rock walls.

      Cutrine and Nautique, copper based aquatic herbicides are use to reduce algea in ditches. These chemicals are known to be hazardous to people and animals, yet you continue to dump it directly into the water ways. You do this on a calendar basis not just as needed and notify customers with a written warning at the beginning of the irrigation season. This stuff can flat out kill sheep and gathers in the bodies of humans and livestock.

    The Brickmont study came up with no methods for herbicide reduction. I think it cost $72,000 and was just window dressing to make it appear that NID was trying to reduce herbicide use. Before Brickmont was Amigo Bobs study on how to reduce herbicide use. In my opinion this was also window dressing. It was not followed through on and was nearly entirely useless.

    As NID uses these terrestrial and aquatic herbicides on peoples private property they must make real attempt at limiting their use. Science is catching up with these chemicals and risks they cause.

    What is your plan for herbicide reduction and are you serious about it? These are tough questions and now is a good time for answers. Thanks M.P.