“This herbicide is quite common and is not considered toxic to birds or mammals,” RIOC’s representative said. “So, we really don’t think this application is related to those reports about geese and squirrels” dying in large numbers. That was a lie. And it‘s not just RIOC’s chronic dishonesty. There‘s something worse.
by David Stone
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
Basic Facts: Upfront Lying
We asked an expert: “Is Speedzone Broadleaf Herbicide for Turf toxic to mammals or birds?”
Answer: “Speedzone Broadleaf Herbicide for Turf is considered low risk to mammals and birds if used according to the label instructions.”
So, Speedzone, the herbicide RIOC used in Southpoint is, in fact, toxic, if at low risk, but pay attention to “…if used according to label instructions…” It wasn’t.
As we reported in Pesticide Controversy: RIOC Under Fire for Wildlife Deaths, at least ten small animals – 7 g0slings and 3 baby squirrels – died concurrent with RIOC’s spraying pesticide in Southpoint Park. Careless use of Speedzone is very likely the cause.
We uncovered more lies as we looked further.
Careless: Poisoning Roosevelt Island’s Small Animals
This isn’t the first time. A few years back, pre-COVID, over a period of days, a number of squirrels in Riverwalk Commons and near McManus Field died from apparent poisoning. Both areas are RIOC’s responsibility.
Poisoning is a horrible way of dying. Seeing the squirrel’s bodies twisted in agony in death was heartbreaking. RIOC, of course, did not accept any responsibility then nor does it now. More on that character flaw later.
A closer look at the poisonings in Southpoint Park…
Pesticide warning signs posted in Southpoint’s central meadow carried the trademark of BrightView, RIOC’s contractor, but RIOC refers not to BrightView, but instead says, “We…”
“We take the application of any pesticides seriously and only spray when we absolutely must do it. In this instance, the spraying was done at night when the park was closed, which is standard practice, and the appropriate process for application was followed.”
Here, the lying is so boldly obvious that it’s nearly amazing RIOC even tried. According to the legally required warning sign (above), RIOC sprayed the pesticide, not “at night when the park is closed,” but at 5:30 on a weekday evening.
June 18th was a Tuesday, and there is no record of Southpoint Park being closed at that time. In fact, the time during which and immediately after BrightView or RIOC sprayed Speedzone, according to independent online sources, is the park’s most popular for visitors.
It’s also when the small animals are out and around, feeding, grooming and exploring. And under RIOC, suffering agonizing deaths.
RIOC did not answer inquiries about what pest they were attacking or why it was an “absolutely must do.”
“Studies show that even though most weed killer bottles say that you and your pets should keep off sprayed lawns for only 6 to 24 hours, chemical residue can linger on surfaces for up to 48 hours after application. This study was noted to be true even if it rained.”
Weedkillers and Pets: West Park Animal Hospital
It does not appear that any consideration was given to small and infant animals in the park. Every one of them was immediately exposed as were people walking their dogs. Along with the animals killed, reports came in of dogs being sickened.
Keep in mind too that only the dead animals that park visitors saw were counted. Most animals will crawl off into hiding as they grow more sick, hiding their increasing weaknesses from predators.
Speedzone Broadleaf Herbicide for Turf can be harmful to wildlife if exposed before it’s dried… which, of course, the small animals were.
Here’s why:
- Mode of Action: Speedzone is a selective herbicide that disrupts plant growth processes. While targeted towards broadleaf weeds, unintended exposure can harm wildlife.
- Ingestion: If animals like birds or small mammals ingest the wet herbicide while feeding or grooming, they can experience poisoning.
- Skin Contact: Direct contact with wet Speedzone can irritate their skin or eyes.
Safety Measures:
- Follow Label Instructions: The label will specify a wait time after application before it’s safe for people and pets. This drying period applies to wildlife as well.
- Minimize Exposure: Avoid applying near gardens, bodies of water, or areas frequented by wildlife.
- Consider Alternatives: If wildlife activity is a major concern, explore alternative weed control methods like pulling weeds manually or using natural herbicides.
The Big Lie
“We always try to use the most environmentally friendly products,” RIOC said. Also, a lie. The University of Colorado provides a list of Natural Herbicides for Landscape Management. RIOC’s product, Speedzone Broadleaf Herbicide for Turf is not on the list.
But to really understand the gross misconduct that went into killing so many small animals, keep in mind that it refers to specifically “products.” Why are only products considered for solutions?
In our report just a week ago, Pesticides in Parks: Minimizing Risks and Public Awareness, we offered eco-friendly choices, including Integrated Pest Management. But these aren’t products. They are advanced ways of landscaping without toxins.
RIOC’s published Performance Goals include this: “To promote a sustainable, innovative environment and to strive for island-wide green initiatives.” In light of what we see here, it’s just one more lie, hot air blown out of a corrupt political pipeline.
Beyond the Poisoning of Small Animals
As we wrote at the start of this article, it’s not just RIOC’s chronic dishonesty. There’s something worse.
The endless lying has long since made dealing with RIOC difficult. The staff lies about matters, large and small, all the time without consequence. Dishonesty seems endemic as it carries over from one administration to the next like some bureaucratic kind of horizontal gene transfer. As you can see from the above, it’s in full force right now.
- Roosevelt Island Red Bus Crisis: Maintenance Issues and Fleet Shortage
- The Good News From RIOC’s Last Night Board Meeting
- An Empty Space Now Opens on Main Street: Dr. Jack Resnick Retires
- Ridiculous RIOC Review: Leaderless and Fumbling at the End of August
- A Surprising Win for Animal Rights – And Democracy
But the worst thing is the ingrown, childish inability to admit any mistake or error. It’s hubris. It’s unethical and commonplace with RIOC. In the early years of The Daily, we referred to it as “the state agency that never made a mistake” or “always gets it right.” It hasn’t changed, but we learned that shaming them had no effect.
Some examples over time, some you probably don’t even know about.
- When RIOC’s board arrived at the strange decision of handing Main Street Retail over to Hudson-Related, it was collecting $1.4 million+ annually from commercial rents. Since, it’s never gotten close to that number, averaging hundreds of thousand less each year. The board has never acknowledged the losses created by their decision nor moved for any change.
- In 2018, Frank Farance discovered that RIOC was operating its landscaping water supplies without backflow devices. Put simply, contaminated water fed the Island’s fountains. Tests found fecal matter bubbling up without warning. After lying about it for months, RIOC eventually installed the legally required safety devices but never apologized nor acknowledged the mistake.
- In 2022, a young man drowned in the Sportspark Pool. With none of RIOC’s lifeguards on the job, a resident dove in and pulled the victim up from the bottom of the pool. Resuscitation efforts came from another swimmer. Not only has RIOC never accepted responsibility, it also never offered condolences to the victims family.
- Recently, RIOC reported spirited efforts at running Red Bus services while knocked down from five to two buses operating. Yet, it never offered any explanation as to how the situation got so dire. There is still no accountability within RIOC even if more openness is in place. (PS: We know how it happened, and so does RIOC.)
Over this weekend, a 47-year Roosevelt Islander decried the Red Bus mess through which so many try navigating. “It’s never been like this,” she said after waiting too long in the sun.
“We’re both adults, right?” I asked. “You’re over 21?”
She laughed: “A little…”
She laughed as she stepped off at her stop.
A Job With a Predictable Ending
The role looks stable from the outside. A President and CEO is appointed. A contract is approved. A salary is set.
