Pesticide analysis gives N.D. waters clean bill

Bismarck-The North Dakota Department of Agriculture has conducted an unusually expansive assessment of pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides in the state’s rivers and streams, analyzing for 180 different chemicals and producing encouraging results. According to Jim Gray, director of the department’s pesticide, feed, and fertilizer division, 33 sites were monitored last year every six weeks from April through October in cooperation with the North Dakota Department of Health and the U.S. Geological Survey. “As a result of all those samples we had only 43 detections, and those were at very low levels. In fact, nine different pesticides were found, and all were at levels below federal standards for ecological impact or for drinking water,” Gray reported. He said the Red River had several detections for three chemicals that are starting to reach levels that merit further observation, but nothing of serious concern. Gray said he wasn’t sure this undertaking is unique to his state, but noted that state and federal funds were available and “we worked with our partners to make sure the best use was made of those funds.” Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring added, “These results also show that current regulations, use restrictions, and our enforcement strategy are effective in preventing pesticide contamination of surface water.”