Stillwater Reminds Residents of Annual Chemical Spraying

Stillwater, MN – The annual chemical spraying of approximately 220 miles of rural Washington County roadsides is scheduled to begin on or about July 13 and continue for at least two weeks.

The objective is to control noxious weeds and brush, according to a news release.

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The chemicals Escort and Tordon K are commonly used on roadsides and utility rights-of-way and are the chemicals the county will be using. Guidelines used by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicate that in tests with birds and animals, doses of these chemicals are non-toxic in quantities far greater than used by the county.

In addition, the tests have shown that livestock such as cattle, horses, sheep, or swine cannot consume enough treated foliage to cause physical harm.

These signs are to be placed at the beginning and the end of the area that is to be omitted by the property owner from spraying by the county. Property owners will also be required to fill out a form agreeing to control weeds and brush within the area that is not to be sprayed.

A legal description of the property will be needed to complete this form.

Business hours for the Public Works Department are Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Direct all inquiries to Doug R. Johnson, (651) 430-4389.

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