From: oregontrail@frontiernet.net

Sent: Wed Mar 16 16:49:01 2011

To: ToxicsRuleMaking

Subject: Need stronger rules on toxins!

Importance: Normal

There are reasons organic food has become more popular, and trends continue despite a bad recession. Our world has become fouled with toxic wastes. Veterans of the Vietnam war talk of agent oragnge poisoning, but here in Oregon we have been inundated with tons of toxic herbicides related to agent orange, some only one molecule different.

Here in Selma, Atrazine is being applied to our local forests at alarming rates, so Douglas Fir can become the primary tree grown in our forests. Pesticide use is rmpant and unnecessarily applied to residences, gardens and agri-businesses. These toxins build up in our soils and groundwater. Atrazine-like compounds alone are now reported in approximately 50% of the ground water and residential water supplies in our nation.

The DEQ should have the responsibility of deterring and reducing the amount of toxic herbicides and pesticides released, but apparently laaaacks any teeth or desire to implement more strict regulations in order to protectr our citizens. This remains a mystery and concern to my family as to why these toxins are applied by the gallons and tons in Oregon, risking the health of future generations. In Oregon we should set the standard for the nation, not succumb to the pressures of businesses which control our politicians.