Stop Spraying Now
The information contained in this website comes from the following sources
- Pesticides sprayed by date are provided directly by Melick's Orchard
- Pesticide toxicity and use information comes from the pesticide manufacturer's label
- Wind and weather conditions at the time of spraying were taken by direct observation
- The academic studies include their source and link information
Overview
Melick's Orchard has drifted pesticides into the surrounding community for over 25 years. I have personally witnessed this activity. After an application the pesticides volatilize and continue to drift as a vapor for many days. Our home has dealt with many pesticide related illnesses and so have other homes in the area.
Orchard pesticide spraying is a dangerous activity. The pesticides are highly toxic and the spraying technique causes the pesticides to drift. Because of the danger to people and the environment, this spraying must be done where drifting pesticides are contained. The spraying should never be done near homes, schools, day care centers or other sensitive sites.
Compare the drifting of pesticides to the release of radioactive discharge. Both are deadly, active for long periods, carried by the wind and exceedingly harmful to human health. Now imagine living near a nuclear reactor that releases this highly dangerous discharge in great quantity and multiple times a week. That is orchard pesticide spraying.
Everyone's health is impacted by exposure to pesticides, but children and pregnant women are especially vulnerable. Acute exposure to pesticides can cause death or immediate severe harm, and chronic exposure to low concentrations of pesticide drift can have devastating impact on your health.
Orchard pesticide spraying is a dangerous activity. The pesticides are highly toxic and the spraying technique causes the pesticides to drift. Because of the danger to people and the environment, this spraying must be done where drifting pesticides are contained. The spraying should never be done near homes, schools, day care centers or other sensitive sites.
Compare the drifting of pesticides to the release of radioactive discharge. Both are deadly, active for long periods, carried by the wind and exceedingly harmful to human health. Now imagine living near a nuclear reactor that releases this highly dangerous discharge in great quantity and multiple times a week. That is orchard pesticide spraying.
Everyone's health is impacted by exposure to pesticides, but children and pregnant women are especially vulnerable. Acute exposure to pesticides can cause death or immediate severe harm, and chronic exposure to low concentrations of pesticide drift can have devastating impact on your health.
What About the Law
We have federal, state and local laws that strictly prohibit the drifting of pesticides because of the great danger.
How was Melick's Orchard allowed to build an orchard around existing homes exposing the entire community to extreme danger? Why would the Lebanon Township Committee and Zoning Officer refuse to enforce our own laws when shown definitive evidence of this danger?
The NJDEP imposed fines and a settlement agreement after determining the drift from Melick's Orchard caused a significant risk of harm, injury or damage to persons, property or the environment. After determining the drift was dangerous the NJDEP stopped enforcing the law and began acting to protect the violations. What happened?
How was Melick's Orchard allowed to build an orchard around existing homes exposing the entire community to extreme danger? Why would the Lebanon Township Committee and Zoning Officer refuse to enforce our own laws when shown definitive evidence of this danger?
The NJDEP imposed fines and a settlement agreement after determining the drift from Melick's Orchard caused a significant risk of harm, injury or damage to persons, property or the environment. After determining the drift was dangerous the NJDEP stopped enforcing the law and began acting to protect the violations. What happened?
The Danger is Real
The pesticides sprayed by Melick's Orchard are carcinogens, cholinesterase inhibitors, reproductive and developmental toxins, and endocrine disruptors. They are linked to all of the following diseases:
Other serious issues include the dangers to U-Pick visitors who are exposed to pesticide poisoning as the orchard continues to spray long after the U-Pick season begins. One academic study showed a link to pesticide poisoning over a mile from the site of pesticide application. What happens when you walk through or live near the orchard?
Stormwater runoff from the orchard flows directly off the southeast corner of the orchard through a pipeline into the environmentally sensitive South Branch of the Raritan River. Pesticide labels strictly prohibit this action.
The dangerous and illegal drifting of pesticides off the orchard onto surrounding homes and properties will have a profound affect on property values. Should anyone's family be exposed to such a danger?
I have already contacted all of the following asking for their help:
The Township Committee and Township Zoning Officer have seen definitive proof of the danger and are unwilling to protect the citizens of Lebanon Township and Califon by enforcing our Township laws. The NJDEP has serious problems that need investigation by the state to bring about proper compliance and enforcement.
Now I need your help. Please contact these officials and tell them to do their job, for sake of the families of our community. If you do not live in Califon or in Lebanon Township, you can still help by letting your voice be heard. Who knows, you may be next.
Lebanon Township Officials can be contacted at the address, phone number and website below.
Township of Lebanon
530 West Hill Road
Glen Gardner, NJ 08826
www.lebanontownship.net
Tom McKee, Mayor
Jim Flemming, Zoning Officer
- Alzheimer's Disease
- Asthma
- Birth Defects
- Body Burden
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Endocrine Disruption
- Learning and Developmental Problems
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Sexual and Reproductive Dysfunction
Other serious issues include the dangers to U-Pick visitors who are exposed to pesticide poisoning as the orchard continues to spray long after the U-Pick season begins. One academic study showed a link to pesticide poisoning over a mile from the site of pesticide application. What happens when you walk through or live near the orchard?
Stormwater runoff from the orchard flows directly off the southeast corner of the orchard through a pipeline into the environmentally sensitive South Branch of the Raritan River. Pesticide labels strictly prohibit this action.
The dangerous and illegal drifting of pesticides off the orchard onto surrounding homes and properties will have a profound affect on property values. Should anyone's family be exposed to such a danger?
I have already contacted all of the following asking for their help:
- New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez
- New Jersey Senator Cory Booker
- New Jersey Congressman Leonard Lance
- New Jersey State Assemblyman Erik Peterson
- Lebanon Township Committee
- Lebanon Township Zoning Officer
- New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
The Township Committee and Township Zoning Officer have seen definitive proof of the danger and are unwilling to protect the citizens of Lebanon Township and Califon by enforcing our Township laws. The NJDEP has serious problems that need investigation by the state to bring about proper compliance and enforcement.
Now I need your help. Please contact these officials and tell them to do their job, for sake of the families of our community. If you do not live in Califon or in Lebanon Township, you can still help by letting your voice be heard. Who knows, you may be next.
Lebanon Township Officials can be contacted at the address, phone number and website below.
Township of Lebanon
530 West Hill Road
Glen Gardner, NJ 08826
www.lebanontownship.net
Tom McKee, Mayor
Jim Flemming, Zoning Officer
