Recently, West Fraser Timber announced to residents in Wells of their intention to spray herbicide on cut blocks near the community.
Concerned resident Lindsay Read feels there hasn’t been sufficient testing regarding how the chemicals work.
“It seems there has not been enough testing yet to know,” she stated in a letter to the company.
“As a mother of two small children and an ex-treeplanter, I am quite concerned about the use of glyphosate, which is known to be quite toxic.”
Read then lists a number of concerns and effects she thinks the herbicide might have on the ecosystem.
“I am very concerned this toxic chemical will make its way into the food chain and waterways – which are not sedentary and as a result, will kill many untargeted plants and animals,” she explained.
The location West Fraser Timber will be spraying glyphosate is a property they own, but due to elements beyond their control, it is possible the spraying of glyphosate in the area targeted could have adverse effects.
Research on the toxicity of glyphosate exposure shows symptoms such as lung dysfunction, kidney damage dizziness and fever.
However, these side effects only result from direct contact with the chemical.
Glyphosate is known as a broad-spectrum herbicide, meaning it kills non-descriminately.
It works by preventing the plant it is applied to from producing proteins needed for growth.
Glyphosate is a common herbicide and is used in brands such as RoundUp and Pondmaster.
Studies have shown glyphosate has a negative impact on amphibians and small insect-eating mammals.
Since the insects eat the foliage sprayed with glyphosate, the chemical makes its way up the food chain and impacts birds’ sources of food.
The spraying of glyphosate also negatively impacts birds’ ability to find sources of shelter and nest materials.
The chemical has also been shown to decrease populations of beneficial organisms, such as ladybugs and certain species of wasps.
Although it is not known exactly what percentage of herbicide is glyphosate, most are mixed with other chemicals which make the application easier, but are not listed on the ingredients list.
The Sierra Club Canada website states glyphosate in its commercial form “is 2 to 7 times more toxic to fish than glyphosate alone,” and that “it is also increasingly toxic at higher temperatures.”
West Fraser’s website states their interest in taking input from residents and communities in relation to environmental issues.
“We work in partnership with communities, governments and other forest stakeholders to ensure environmental, social and economic values are balances appropriately,” it explains.
“We maintain a philosophy of continual improvement of our forest practices and manufacturing processes to optimize the use of resources and minimize or eliminate the impact of our operations on the environment.”
West Fraser’s website also provides an environmental report highlighting their commitments to sustainability.
“West Fraser recognizes that environmental excellence is an integral aspect of long-term business success,” it states.
For more information on West Fraser’s policies, visit http://www.westfraser.com/environment/index.asp.
