Call your legislators about Senate Bill 173 regarding pesticides and utility poles. We operate Oceanside Farms in Homer, growing food without synthetic “-cides”. We take use of poisons seriously.
SB173 was designed to financially protect Alaska utilities by releasing them and pole manufacturers/applicators from liability regarding Pentachlorophenol wood preservatives used on poles. “Penta” (and its contaminants dioxin, furans, hexochlorobenzene) are known carcinogens — restricted “Persistent Organic Pollutants” under the Stockholm Convention/UN — banned in 26 countries, including Canada.
The U.S. is the largest producer and user of Penta. The Environmental Protection Agency restricts it to utility poles and railroad ties. Though not in SB173, the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation says it will eventually provide “best practice guidance” (no teeth).
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service found “concerning levels” in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge (KNWR). State regulators notified the Homer Electric Association (the pole owners) to do some cleanup, inspiring SB173.
Though rare, Vermont has documented contaminations of drinking water and soils (including pole storage sites). Utilities choose and buy treated poles. As HEA ratepayers, we want costs kept down and lawsuits avoided, but we also expect our “cooperative” to be held accountable.
Preserve the right to collect costs and damages if Penta leaches into your family’s well, or community groundwater, or if someone develops cancer from chemicals a utility chose to expose them to. If SB173 becomes law, Alaska utilities are off the hook. Landowners are 100% responsible?
Maybe one could litigate ADEC for cleanup/mitigation (good luck with that). Maybe (gasp!), it’s time to outlaw Penta and insist on safer alternatives. Know that SB173 not a good Alaskan neighbor bill. And what about Penta’s impacts on marine ecosystems or salmon? The KNWR/DOT study is happening. People over poisons, please.
Donna Rae Faulkner
and Don McNamara,
Homer