Radnor Twp is pissed over lack of notice (see press release), Lower Merion didn't seem to mind giving residents lack of notice, did they?

IMPORTANT PUBLIC HEALTH ANNOUNCEMENT * * *

STATE SCHEDULED TO SPRAY FOR WEST NILE VIRUS

On Monday, just yesterday, Township officials were shocked to learn that the Pennsylvania Departments of Environmental Protection and Health plan to conduct targeted aerial spraying over Radnor Township and other communities in Delaware, Montgomery, Bucks, and Philadelphia Counties to protect the public against mosquito-borne West Nile virus.

This spraying is scheduled to be done over communities in our region tonight, Tuesday, August 26th, and tomorrow night, Wednesday, August 27th, between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 12:00 midnight. Thursday, the 28th, is scheduled as a rain date.

Throughout yesterday afternoon and all of today, the Township attempted to persuade State officials to allow us to opt out of this hastily coordinated spraying program, at least until our officials and residents could learn more about the State’s reasons for widespread aerial spraying and about the health and safety aspects of the chemicals they plan to use.

Based on these discussions, RADNOR TOWNSHIP WILL NOT BE SPRAYED TONIGHT. However, despite our best efforts, the State advised us late this afternoon that they will NOT allow us to opt out of the aerial spraying altogether. Thus, spraying is scheduled to take place over Radnor Township tomorrow night – Wednesday – from 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 midnight.

A press release on DEP’s website – – says that residents in targeted areas can expect to see low-flying airplanes that will spray a synthetic chemical called “Resmethrin,” at the rate of .0035 pounds, or one-third of a teaspoon, per acre.

DEP says that this spray rate is one-half the amount approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for safe application and should have no adverse effects on ornamental ponds or plant life.

Resmethrin is also known commercially as “Scourge Insecticide.” Click here http://www.health.state.ny.us/nysdoh/westnile/education/2739.htm to see a question and answer fact sheet about Resmethrin or here http://www.e-adapco.com/pdf/SCO412m.pdf to view its Material Safety Data Sheet.

While DEP’s news release says that Resmethrin is considered safe with little risk of toxicity to humans (and domestic animals), the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Township’s Health Office recommend a few basic steps to reduce possible exposure to it:

1. Children and pregnant women – and we would add elderly people and those with specific allergies or serious lung conditions – should take care to avoid exposure. If possible, you and your pets should remain inside during the spraying hours and for about 30 minutes after it ends.

2. You should close windows and doors to your house and turn off window fans and air-conditioning units or close their vents ahead of time to circulate indoor air before spraying begins. Windows and air-conditioner vents can be reopened about 30 minutes after spraying.

3. If you must go outside during the scheduled spraying period, you should drive in a vehicle with the windows closed and the air conditioner or vent set to the re-circulating phase.

4. If you get the spray in your eyes, rinse them with water. Also wash exposed skin with soap and water, and wash clothes separately that come in contact with the spray.

5. If you experience any adverse reactions to the spraying whatsoever, you should seek medical care immediately or call the U.S. Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

For links to other websites that contain additional information about the spray being used by DEP and about the West Nile virus in general, click on the following: or .

You can also call the regional DEP office in Norristown at 484-250-5824 for a recorded message that will update the public on their aerial spraying activities. To speak with a local DEP official, call 484-250-5940, or call Dr. Veronica Urdaneta of the PA Department of Health in Harrisburg at 717-787-3350.

Some residents have asked how they can seek injunctive relief through the legal system to try to prevent the scheduled spraying. Any such actions should be filed with the Commonwealth Court, 1339 Chestnut Street, Room 900, Philadelphia, PA, 19107 (215-560-5730).

Any changes in the State’s plans to spray over Radnor Township on Wednesday will be reported here and on cable channels 10 (Comcast) and 30 (Verizon).