May 7, 2012

DILLON’S MOSQUITO CONTROL LEGISLATION APPROVED BY HOUSE

Rep. Pat Dillon hailed House passage of HB 5260: An Act Restricting the Use of Methoprene. The legislation included an amendment, introduced by Rep. Dillon, to increase mosquito control efforts in the West River neighborhood of New Haven.

Due to its proximity to wetlands, the West River area has a high density of mosquitoes and mosquito breeding grounds. In 2006, an elderly resident of the West River neighborhood died from West Nile virus.

“Our neighborhood has been touched by the tragedy of West Nile virus,” Rep. Dillon said. “We want to reclaim access to the West River without being fearful of swarms of mosquitoes.”

The legislation would ensure that the state inspects land, wetlands and watercourses in and around the West River neighborhood and take steps to eliminate mosquito breeding areas. The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and the New Haven Health Department would be charged with enforcing a ban on standing water – a breeding ground for mosquitoes – even on private property.

Outreach and education would also improve under the legislation. DEEP and the city Health Department would educate property owners of the risks of standing water and the signs and symptoms of West Nile virus.

The legislation awaits action by the state Senate.