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Residents question roadside spraying; highway staff cite DEC/EPA approvals
Summary
Residents raised concerns about herbicide spraying along state highways; staff responded that the herbicides used are DEC- and EPA-approved and that applicators are certified, though some residents still felt the applications were excessive.
A resident group had sent a letter asking the town to review roadside spraying policies. Board members said they had received a written response from the state highway department explaining the purpose of spraying and asserting that the herbicides used comply with New York DEC and EPA standards and that applicators are certified.
Board discussion acknowledged residents' discomfort with the appearance of dead vegetation along road shoulders but emphasized safety rationale: crews also spray guardrails and signage to keep them visible and reduce crash risk. No change to the town's practice was decided at the meeting.
