Neurotoxins in WA Waters: The Shellfish Industry Tries Again - Imidacloprid in Marine Waters

[Update 1/16/2019: Application of Imidacloprid in Washington's waters flows along in the political process. HB1037 is introduced.]

House Bill 1037:

Pollution happens

so we should be allowed

to pollute too. 

Sounds good to me - write it up in a Bill!

How to promote a book 

about marine pollution by an industry:

Propose a Bill to allow pesticide application

in Washington's marine waters.

Toxic Pearl, by M. Perle

(available at Orca Books)

Imidacloprid: It's back.

In the world of the shellfish industry, "no pesticides in Washington's marine waters" is not understood. Once again, they are attempting through political means to have the neurotoxic pesticide Imidacloprid be permitted for use in Washington's marine waters, not only in Willapa Bay, but as House Bill 1037 is written, in any marine waters along "the Pacific coast of Washington."

Twisted logic: Indirect pesticide pollution happens

so why not allow direct application of pesticides?

Politics.

The "Bizarro World" of Politicians, Lobbyists and the Shellfish Industry

In a world which only a politician, lobbyists and the profit driven shellfish industry lives, the following logic is being used in HB1037 to allow the direct application of Imidacloprid to Washington's marine waters: 

 Section 2(1) of HB1037: Imidacloprid is found in lawn care products that the people of Washington may purchase without permit and frequently apply to yards. The runoff from the yards pours into storm drains in urban areas and is carried out to the sea with unknown quantities of imidacloprid.

Out damned spot!

Spraying herbides on the shore.

Extinction of Native Species Before our Eyes

Impacts from pollution and rising temperatures on Washington's marine habitat are having an devastating effect on native species. Whether the Southern Resident Orca or Sea Stars, species are nearing extinction before our eyes, within a period of years, not decades. Polluted stormwater runoff entering Puget Sound should in no way justify the direct application of pesticides in Washington's marine waters.  It wasn't a good idea when first proposed and it's still not a good idea. Contact your legislator and tell them to put on their thinking cap and throw this Bill - and its supporters - out. 

Get involved:

Find your District and legislator here:

https://app.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/

Comment directly on HB1037 here:

https://app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/bill//1037