"This is intended as a quick 'heads up' on a recent herbicide problem

By R. Bruce Wright, CPCU

This is intended as a quick “heads up” on a recent herbicide problem.

While most utilities in our program do not use widespread applications of herbicides, it may be worth checking to be sure that neither your employees nor any of your subcontractors were using a Dupont Co. herbicide called “Imprelis.”

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approved Imprelis (aminocyclopyrochlor) in 2010 for commercial use in controlling dandelions, ground ivy, violets, clover and other weeds. Since this chemical was provided only to professional landscapers for use primarily in lawn maintenance, it is unlikely to have been part of any ROW vegetation control programs. However, it might have been used as a part of a weed control effort intended for green spaces and lawns adjacent to commercial buildings.

DuPont initially promoted this chemical as a fast-acting product, effective at low rates of application, while being less toxic to mammals than existing herbicides. But, as reported in a July 14, 2011 article in the New York Times, reports of dying trees started surfacing around Memorial Day, prompting an inquiry by DuPont. scientists. A class-action lawsuit filed this summer in Pennsylvania, also asserted that tree owners began to notice the mysterious browning of their evergreens soon after landscapers applied the new herbicide. In addition, the NYT article points out that “grass clippings from lawns treated with the chemical should not be composted because the chemical survives the process and can kill flowers and vegetables that are treated with the compost. That warning is included on the Imprelis product label.”

After the suit was filed, seeking to have DuPont pull Imprelis from the market and reimburse tree owners for damages, Pont announced that it was voluntarily suspending sale of Imprelis and has begun a product return and refund program. The company issued a statement saying that “This action is consistent with our ongoing discussions with, and response to, the Environmental Protection Agency.” A special Web site and telephone hotline have also been established to assist in handling reports and questions; these are www.imprelis-facts.com, and 866-796-4783. You can check there for more information and updates.