By Jim Sherwood
VANDEMERE — I was away on a vacation out west for a couple of weeks and was appalled to see what had happened while I was gone. What I am talking about is the defoliation — by obviously very poisonous chemicals along the roadsides in Pamlico County. We must get to the bottom of this and find out what happened and, of course, the Who, What, When, Where, and Why.
I am guessing that many Pamlico County residents are also appalled by this. State officials should answer the following questions:
1. What is the chemical that was sprayed?
2. How much was sprayed (in gallons)?
3. Why was it sprayed?
4. Who authorized the spraying?
5. Was there a review process used to make the decision to spray?
6. Who was involved in that review process to spray (if there was one)?
7. Was there any concern for the environmental effects of the spraying?
8. Was a cost benefit analysis conducted?
9. What are the potentially detrimental effects on algae, fish, shrimp, crabs, and oysters?
10. Were these potentially detrimental effects considered in the decision to spray?
11. Are the parties responsible for the spraying liable for defoliation that occurred on private property?
Pamlico County is a beautiful and healthy place for plant and animal wildlife as well as humans. It is something to be cherished and preserved for the future of the wildlife and for our children and grandchildren.
Editor’s note: This newspaper has submitted a formal request for answers to the questions posed by Vandemere resident Jim Sherwood, along with any related documents and studies. Brian Rick, Public Information Officer for Districts Two & Three in the North Carolina Department of Transportation, said Wednesday morning that his agency is working on full and complete answers, while apologizing that few, if any, responses would be submitted prior to the deadline of this newspaper.
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