Concerned about railroad herbicide spraying

To the editor:

Alaska Railroad is poised to begin spraying at any time now the two herbicides Aquamaster (active ingredient glyphosate) and Oust Extra (active ingredient sulfometuron methyl) on more than 500 miles of main line, branches and rail yards.

From 1984-2010, no herbicides were used on the railroad. Residents and visitors were free of toxic exposure and the numerous waterbodies were free of herbicide pollution. But in 2010, a lax Governor Parnell administration began allowing permits to spray the herbicides in various locations on the track in spite of majority public opposition. Finally in 2013, there was a systematic removal of an Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation public process so there is neither oversight nor participation from those adversely affected.

At the recent May 6 Talkeetna Community Council meeting, public outcry against the spraying identified two basic actions that need to happen and can be applied to all the adjacent railroad communities.

1. Alaska Railroad must actively contact residents adjacent to the railroad tracks in order to identify flagstop mileposts and drinking water sources within 200 feet of the tracks for suspension of spraying. No spraying should be conducted within 200 feet of a flagstop, drinking water source or water body.

2. The public requests a detailed plan and procedures for identifying the water bodies, flagstops and areas of suspended spraying on the ground. There appears to be no plan beyond a vaguely worded statement that a GPS system would be used. A pilot car during all herbicide applications should be used, and a blue-and-white color-coded railroad tie marking system used in previous applications should be incorporated.

This must happen before any spraying occurs. According to some reports, up to 30 percent of Americans report some sensitivity to chemicals in the environment.

The potential for harm from spraying on the tracks and right of way is significant. The vortex winds that recur with the passage of every train will distribute herbicide molecules bound up with plant residue and soil throughout the area. Once cast into the wind, the particles are redistributed to distant, non-target areas.

The herbicide to be applied, Oust Extra, has caused extensive off-application area damage in Idaho through just this sort of wind transportation on soil particles and has led to multi-million-dollar court-awarded damages.

This is a serious matter, one in which much of the public is unaware. To contact the ARR, email public_comment@akrr.com, call (907) 265-2671 or write ARR, Attn: Corporate Affairs, P.O. Box 107500, Anchorage, AK 99510-7500.

Becky Long

Talkeetna