A VDOT contractor is apparently spraying Roundup along Albemarle roadsides, a much nastier chemical than Krenite, the brush-control agent they were hired to use. #
News and meta-news about Charlottesville, VA, since 2001.
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Police announced this afternoon that their investigation into what was initially believed to be a fatal fire on Rugby Avenue is now a homicide investigation. #
The Virginia Supreme Court has denied George Huguely’s appeal. His second-degree murder conviction will stand, WRIC reports. #
In a carefully worded story, and not citing specific sources, WTVR reports that forensic evidence belonging to Jesse Matthew Jr., the main suspect in the disappearance of Hannah Graham, matches forensic evidence collected during the investigation of Morgan Harrington’s 2009 murder. #
In the wake of Hannah Graham’s disappearance, and the evidence that came from private security footage, city officials are revisiting the question of installing security cameras on the downtown mall. #
Both Charlottesville Registrar Sheri Iachetta and former Electoral Board member Stephanie Commander have turned themselves in to the police on
foursix and four felony counts of embezzlement, respectively. #Ten years ago, the National Institutes of Health budget doubled and schools like the University of Virginia built massive new research facilities. A decade later, those buildings remain largely underutilized. NPR visits UVA in this story on the effect of federal binge and spurge spending in the sciences. #
In 2012, Council approved a new student housing complex on West Main—now some council members are questioning whether what they were shown matches what was built. #
The Architectural Review Board has approved a bike-themed mural on West Market, below the McGuffey Art Center, although at least one member expressed concerns that it might look like the bicyclists were riding away from Charlottesville’s downtown. #
City Police Chief Tim Longo is meeting with city leaders to work on protocols regarding the use of military surplus police weapons in Charlottesville. #
A 100-year-old Colonnades resident received military honors for her service in the WWII Women’s Army Corps #
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I saw them doing the same thing this week on 20 south between Red Hill Road and Carters Bridge. Spraying high up and not close to the ground, on the side of the road that borders the river (can’t remember the name off the top of my head), but i know it collects lots of runoff.
The story says the operator said they were using Roundup. Until we hear more, I thing it’s just as likely they used ‘Roundup’ as a generic term for herbicide.
Probably thinking that calling it something that is used by lots of people around their homes would be comforting.
At least I hope so. Roundup, the brand product, getting sprayed in ways that lead to it drifting out of the desired location is definitely contrary to the use instructions.
“Liza Fleeson is the VDACS program manager in the pesticide services office. Fleeson she was unable to provide specific information on the matter, but did confirm that VDOT does apply pesticides in their right-of-way.” …..
…”Mallek said it was ‘ridiculous’ that the operators could think an herbicide was being used to combat mosquitoes.” …..
…”Anytime chemicals are used, people need to be notified through local government or through signs,” Mallek said.
Sure were a lot of “Mallek saids” (brevity prevents all from each being quoted here) for one C’ville Tomorrow article. Aside from the reported observations constituents shared with her, I’m left wondering whether much (if any) forenotice was given county staff and/or the board about this spraying operation and the use of Krenite. If something was known beforehand, what was Mallek and whoever else privy phrior not owning up about and getting word (in first place) out on?!!
Also for an article dated August 17th, “the iconic Tree on Sugar Hollow Road” photo (by Simeon Flitch) was quite an imbibed touched. Krenite either exceptionally works well or it was (likely) a Winter Season photo.
I’m surprised VDOT is doing anything at all to care for the roadside. They have pretty much stopped mowing except for about late May and late July. I have never known them to spray vegetation, its always been mowing. They must have run a cost analysis and found spraying to be significantly cheaper.
I don’t see why they need to spray at all, more toxins going into our environment.
The only thing they should do is trim vegetation like overhanging limbs that hamper visibility and create a traffic hazard. Wildflowers and grass along the roadside do not.All mowing does is expose the trash people have thrown out wich is more of an eyesore than high grass.
In these tight economic times, its a waste of tax dollars to be chopping down chicory and Queen Annes Lace to accomodate neatness freaks who have a short grass fetish.
Actually, in rural areas the tall grass is a real problem. Every day I turn onto 20N, and the tall grass blocks the view of oncoming traffic on the right. I have to nose out into the road, dangerously, to see if cars are coming. There are many intersections like this throughout the county, and it’s essential for safety that the grass be kept short-ish there.
Oh yes, cut anything at an intersection that blocks the view, be it grass or bushes, no problem with that. But still no justification for spraying chemicals. Those patches of brown, scorched earth are hideous- aside from the fact of more poisons going into the earth.