Should diquat dibromide be used to control aquatic pests?
OLYMPIA – The public is being invited to comment on a plan by the state Department of Ecology to allow the use of diquat dibromide to control aquatic weeds. The department has drafted an environmental impact statement (EIS) outlining the potential risks and benefits of using the herbicide, and steps that can be taken to reduce or make up for any harm. If the use of diquat dibromide ultimately is approved, people would have to obtain a permit from Ecology to apply the chemical. The draft EIS is available on the Web at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/pesticides/index.html. To comment, people may attend one of two public hearings: • Bellevue – 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 5, at Ecology’s Northwest Regional Office, 3190 – 160th Ave. S.E. • Spokane – 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 6, at Spokane Shadle Library, 2111 W. Wellesley Written comments also may be submitted to Jessica Andreoletti at jean461@ecy.wa.gov or Department of Ecology, P.O. Box 47600, Olympia, Wash., 98504-7600, or faxed to
