Pesticide In Local Creeks?

According to a recent study, the impact of pesticides used on nearby farms, and in residential and recreational areas on the Rancocas Creek, is minimal.

Those results were presented to the Rancocas Creek Watershed Management Area’s Public Advisory Committee and the general public on Wednesday, January 29th, at the County Human Services Facility in Westampton.

“Based on these findings, we can conclude that pesticide use is not having a major negative impact on the creek,’’ Freeholder Vincent R. Farias said, “and we are pleased to hear that.

“But we are compelled to continue programs that support sound farming, turf management and lawn care practices, such as those offered by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension and the Soil Conservation District,’’ he continued.

The independent pilot study was completed by Dr. Mark Robson, Ph.D., of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, for the watershed, known as Watershed 19, that covers 360 square miles from the headwaters in Manchester Township, Ocean County, to Berlin Township in Camden County, and empties into the Delaware River between Riverside and Delanco.

The Freeholders and the advisory committee authorized the study. Samples were collected and analyzed by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) along the creek at Smithville in Eastampton, Medford, Leisuretowne in Southampton and an additional site in Southampton.

Samples were collected three times at the four locations during the 12-month period spanning August 2001 to July 2002.

Thirty different pesticides were detected by the USGS’s testing and five by the DEP. In no case did the presence of any pesticide exceed the maximum standard for contaminant levels set by the federal government.

The pesticide survey is part of the committee’s efforts to develop a watershed management plan for the region. The committee welcomes citizen participation and information is available on the county web site www.co.burlington.nj.us/rancocas .

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Author: Press Release-Ralph Shrom