Stuart city commissioners vote to ban glyphosate, Martin County discusses

Stuart, Fl-Stuart city commissioners have voted to ban city use of the chemical glyphosate. Glyphosate is commonly found in the weed killer Roundup. It has been considered possibly carcinogenic and other research links the chemical to algae growth.

Martin County commissioners have directed staff to come back to the board in 90 days with an integrated pest management plan to reduce the use of glyphosate with the ultimate goal of eliminating chemicals. Tuesday commissioners were given a presentation on the county’s use of glyphosate and the possible impact on human health. Commissioners were also presented with alternatives to Roundup. The county is not asking residents to stop using the weed killer but hopes that by setting an example, others will follow.

There have also been concerns over FWC and their herbicide spraying on Lake Okeechobee and its link to algae blooms. The FWC sprays 18 classes of herbicide to kill invasive plants, one of them being glyphosate. FWC says the chemical being sprayed is different than Roundup and is approved by the EPA.

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clenz 9/26/2018