Spraying Note 8/11

Important Notification

Weather permitting, the Suffolk County Department of Public Works (Vector Control) is planning to treat Fair Harbor as part of their ongoing efforts to control adult mosquitoes:

Time and date of the application: Possibly Thursday
(Week of 8/14/2000. Details not yet available)

Sites to be treated: All streets in the community.

Method of Treatment: Ground spraying – Ultra Low Volume Aerosol

Name of Pesticide: Anvil (sumithrin) or Scrouge (resmethrin)

For current and future notices and/or further information:

Suffolk County Vector Control 631-852-4270
Spraying Information Hotline 631-852-4939
http://www.suffolk.ny.us/health/pesticide

The EPA does not require relocating or taking special precautions during mosquito control spraying, however, people may prefer to avoid or further minimize exposure by:

Staying indoors

Keeping windows shut and air conditioners and window fans off during spraying

Keeping children’s toys indoors

Keeping pets indoors, as well as their food, water dishes and toys

Since the effects of the ground and aerial spraying dissipate in a few hours, it is not necessary to wash off outdoor furniture or playground equipment before use, although doing so will not diminish the effectiveness of the pesticide applied.

Source Document: Suffolk County Health Department at http://www.suffolk.ny.us/health/pesticide

August 11, 2000

To: Dominick Ninivaggi, Superintendent
Suffolk County Vector Control
335 Yaphank Ave.
Yaphank, NY 11980

Fm: Fair Harbor Community Association

Re: Request for the Application of Systemic Pesticides within Fair Harbor Boundaries

Dear Superintendent Ninivaggi:

I am representing the Fair Harbor Community Association (FHCA) of Fair Harbor, Fire Island. This letter serves to notify Vector Control of our communities request for a systemic pesticide application to reduce the risk of West Nile Virus in our community.

On July 23, 2000 the FHCA held a meeting open to FHCA members and any interested residents. During a well-attended and constructive meeting and in light of recent public health developments the community voted to: request and allow the application of systemic pesticides in case the West Nile Virus is found in mosquitoes or cadavers of birds on Fire Island and/or the Town of Islip.

With News Release dated 8/10/2000 Clare B. Bradley, Commissioner Suffolk County Department of Public Health Services stated that three birds infected with the West Nile Virus were found in the Town of Islip. Rains over the last 1 ½ weeks have filled our temporary sweet water pools and despite a Vectolex treatment the mosquito load has risen considerably.

We hereby request Suffolk County Vector Control to treat Fair Harbor with a systemic pesticide to reduce the number of mosquitoes. Please use the least toxic pesticide available to you and still achieve our goals.

Please call me anytime during business hours to keep us informed as to date and time of your intended application.

We thank you for your efforts and considerations you have shown towards our community in the past and are looking forward to working with you in the future.

Sincerely yours,

Fair Harbor Community Association