The Alaska Railroad is proposing to spray the herbicide glysophate (Roundup) throughout its route for weed control.
This same proposal was rejected two years ago. Why? Because glysophate will be sprayed on, over and next to waterways and the Cook Inlet. This chemical herbicide has a nasty habit. It does not just kill weeds along the railroad tracks, it seeps into soil and water not intentionally targeted.
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Europe flatly refuses to use glysophate because of the risks. There is a viable alternative — infrared steam heat.
I strongly urge the railroad to withdraw the poorly conceived glysophate proposal. It is time for it to usher in the modern, health-friendly technology of infrared steam heat for weed control.
Ellen Vande Visse
Palmer

Comments
7 comment(s)Lee P wrote on Oct 30, 2009 2:18 PM:
So Lee P... wrote on Oct 26, 2009 11:36 PM:
I would like to know how many tons of herbicide glysophate are dumped on Alaska's ground (eventually ending up in the water) every year. "
Lee P wrote on Oct 26, 2009 2:05 PM:
Wasilla Granny wrote on Oct 26, 2009 1:44 PM:
A portion of the AK RR is very near the Palmer Hayflats (a HUGE wetland), and the tracks run fairly close to our new school (Machetanz) just a little southeast of Wasilla. The RR tracks will be realigning in the future, after which the school will be a mere 500 feet from the tracks. I hope minimally, that any spraying (IF it happens) will not take place during the months that school is in session.
Just something to ponder... "
fishhook wrote on Oct 26, 2009 9:19 AM:
Chemicals are being used everywhere wrote on Oct 25, 2009 12:20 PM:
keep it weed free wrote on Oct 25, 2009 10:23 AM:
It is not listed as a bad actor on the PAN (pesticide action network) they actually list it as not likely to cause cancer. PAN is comprehensive.
the railroad has a responsibility to control weeds. invasive weeds threaten all local wildlife. the biggest controllable transport mechanisms for invasive weeds are highways, railroads and big box stores.
do nothing about invasive weeds and Alaska will eventually have every pest they have in the lower 48. "