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DEM's WNV/EEE Page
  
News Advisory
RI Department of Environmental Management
235 Promenade St., Providence, RI 02908
(401) 222-2771 TDD/(401) 222-4462
FOR AP AND METRO NEWS DAYBOOKS:
Date: Tuesday, August 7

Time:

 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Location: DEM Pawtuxet Supply Depot
230 Warwick Avenue, Cranston
Event: Distribution of Mosquito Larvicide to Municipalities

For Release:

 August 6, 2001
Contact: Gail Mastrati 222-4700 ext. 2402
Stephanie Powell 222-4700 ext. 4418

DEM TO DISTRIBUTE SECOND ROUND OF LARVICIDE TO COMMUNITIES ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 7 FOR MOSQUITO CONTROL

PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management will distribute a second round of mosquito larvicide to Rhode Island communities on Tuesday, August 7 and to state and federal agencies on Wednesday, August 8. Distribution will take place on both days from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at DEM's Pawtuxet Supply Depot in Cranston.

Cities and towns are placing larvicide in municipal catch basins several times during the mosquito season to try to limit the population of mosquitoes that can carry West Nile Virus. Catch basins are considered prime breeding areas of mosquitoes in both urban and suburban settings.

The larvicide distribution is part of the state's response protocol, developed by DEM and the Department of Health for mosquito-borne viruses such as West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis. West Nile Virus has been found in mosquitoes in three Rhode Island communities so far this summer, as well as in several birds. The use of larvicide is the best way for communities to reduce mosquito numbers and risk.

Two types of larvicide are being distributed - one for stormwater catch basins and the other for all above ground larval habitats. Both are specific to mosquito larvae and have excellent environmental track records.

DEM has 2100 pounds of Altosid pellets available, enough to treat 66,000 municipal catch basins and many thousands of Department of Transportation catch basins once a month for two months. The department also has 160 cases of Bti "donuts" for application to standing water bodies and small areas that are hard to treat.

In June, DEM distributed more than 2,000 pounds of Altosid pellets and 150 cases of Bti "donuts" for treating mosquito breeding areas in June and July.

Total cost for the larvicide for both distributions is $91,500 in state funding.

-30-

*For photo opportunities of actual application of the larvicide, please contact local town officials for times and locations.

Directions to Pawtuxet Supply Depot at 230 Warwick Avenue in Cranston: From the north, follow Route 10 South to the end and take a left at the light onto Park Avenue. Continue to the intersection of Park and Warwick Avenues, and turn right onto Warwick Avenue. Just before the bridge spanning the Pawtuxet River, take a left onto Dartmoor Street. The facility can be seen from Warwick Avenue. From the south, take Route 95 to Exit 14A and follow Route 37 to the end, which will be Post Road heading north. Continue on Post Road, and take a left at the intersection of Post Road and Warwick Avenue. Just past Shaw's and over the bridge spanning the Pawtuxet River, take your first right onto Dartmoor Street. The facility can be seen from Warwick Avenue.
For General Information 222-6800 • After Hours Emergencies 222-3070 • Disclaimer