At the March 10 Township Committee meeting, several members of the governing body expressed frustration with what they described as an ineffective method to addressing the local mosquito
By James McEvoy, Managing Editor
BORDENTOWN TOWNSHIP — With spring in its infancy township officials hope to host Burlington County representatives prior to determining whether to allow county aerial mosquito spraying over Bordentown wetlands.
At the March 10 Township Committee meeting, several members of the governing body expressed frustration with what they described as an ineffective method to addressing the local mosquito populations.
Committeewoman Jill Popko and Deputy Mayor Jim Cann said the county representatives have previously acknowledged ineffectiveness of spraying.
”It was, in their own words, not working anymore, that the (chemical used in the) spray had passed its life span, that it wasn’t effecting the mosquitoes,” Committeewoman Popko said. “So it seems to me that not only is it a waste of money and time, but as I said last year, it’s giving our residents a false sense of security.
”The fact of the matter is they are more likely to walk out in their backyard and get bit by a mosquito than ever before,” she said.
Committeeman John Moynihan suggested inviting county officials to speak at the March 24 meeting, due to the fact that county communications have suggested the spraying is necessary.
”If the county’s changed their position from last year it isn’t obvious to me. If we want to give the county people a chance to talk to us we could do that. They’re being quoted, but they’re not here tonight,” Committeeman Moynihan said. “I have a letter from Burlington County saying it’s a key part of Burlington County’s overall mosquito control operation.
”Why are people sending us letters like this if they don’t believe this?” he added. “I’m not comfortable taking a position one way or the other. I think we should invite the folks from the Burlington County Health Department to explain it to us.”
Deputy Mayor Jim Cann said the county informed them that they would be changing the type of chemical used in the spraying next year.
”We went to the county. They were very clear and up front that the aerial spraying does absolutely nothing to inhibit Tiger mosquitoes, which is the main carrier of the West Nile virus.” Mr. Cann said. “My belief is that they’re not doing this out of a sense that it’s still effective, they’re doing it because they have a contract that runs out after this year.”
Mr. Cann added the aerial spraying is ineffective due to the fact that Tiger mosquitoes breed in small bodies of water, such as gutters or flower pots, as opposed to wetlands.
”I don’t see any reason to do it,” he said. “I don’t see any positive impact.”
Mayor Stephen Benowitz echoed the concerns of Deputy Mayor Cann and Committeewoman Popko.
”I recommend that as a committee we encourage Burlington County to pursue alternatives,” Mayor Benowitz said. “I voted no last year for the same reasons.”
Another concern for the mayor was the potential impact of the aerial spraying on the local ecosystem, including other insects and fish.
Committeeman Richard Carson said he was inclined to support the county’s effort, and questioned why officials would pursue it if they were aware of its ineffectiveness.
Eve A. Cullinan, director of the Burlington County Health Department, told the Register News that aerial sprayings, which are solid and not liquid, do not target Tiger Mosquitoes, affirming Deputy Mayor Cann’s comments about the insects breeding in confined spaces.
However, she said the aerial spraying is effective for addressing other mosquito species.
”The (aerial spraying) helps us control our native species, which can carry viruses and diseases,” she said, noting the native mosquitoes also present a nuisance issue to residents.
She also addressed the pending change in the pesticide used by the county.
”It’s due to the fact that the chemical company did not re-register with the EPA due to their costs,” she said, emphasizing that the aerial sprays only occur over wetlands. “What we are using shows no resistance from the mosquito population and in our opinion it’s unfortunate that it’s been phased out.”
She said further that the spraying addresses juvenile mosquitoes and does not impact other species such as bees.
Last year, Ms. Cullinan said, the county promoted education to residents, including how they can try to minimize small bodies of water on their properties.
She advised residents go to the county health department website at www.co.burlington.nj.us/mosquito for more educational resources.
The Township Committee’s next meeting will take place March 24, where it is expected the 2014 municipal budget will be introduced.
Starting at that meeting, the committee will meet in a closed session beginning at 7 p.m. with the open session to the public to commence afterward at 7:30 p.m.
The change was made after Committeeman Carson expressed concerns that having the executive session at the end of meetings, as has been the case in the township, unintentionally precludes the public from being present when the governing body returns from the session for formal action.
Though the entire committee was amendable to the change, it was noted oftentimes in the past exceptions would be made when a significant action is expected to result from a closed session, such as the recent contract agreement to facilitate the public works expansion.

