West Nile Virus Found In NYC, Health Department Spraying Pesticides To Kill Mosquitos And Prevent Spread Of Disease - Virus Not Detected For 10044 Zip Code Yet And No Spraying Scheduled For Roosevelt Island

The mosquito borne West Nile virus has been detected in some NYC neighborhoods. According to the NYC Health Department: 

West Nile virus is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. West Nile virus can infect humans, birds, horses and other mammals.

Most people infected with West Nile either have no symptoms or experience a mild to moderate illness. People who are older than 60 have the highest risk of becoming severely ill. There is increasing evidence that people with weakened immune systems are also at higher risk.

West Nile season in NYC occurs between May and October.

Learn about upcoming mosquito control events.

The NYC Health Department will be spraying pesticides in these neighborhoods to kill mosquitos and prevent spread of the West Nile virus.

25 years ago, West Nile virus was detected in people for the first time in the U.S.—now it’s the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the country.

Learn more about West Nile virus and what you can do to prevent mosquito bites: https://t.co/FNFmgQLjsO pic.twitter.com/tt0Fdztw5L

— nychealthy (@nycHealthy) August 29, 2024

I asked the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) today if there will be mosquitio spraying to reduce the risk of West Nile disease on Roosevelt Island?

RIOC Communications Department Director Bryan Daniels replied:

RIOC and New York City do not have any scheduled spraying on Roosevelt Island.

West Nile virus has not been detected yet in the Roosevelt Island 10044 zip code

according to the NYC Health Department West Nile Virus Positive Mosquitoes Table.

RIOC Issues Advisory Prohibiting Use Of Rat Poison In Public Spaces After Discovery Of Dead Squirrels - Poison Rodent Bait Boxes Found Near Westview Building

Image Of Roosevelt Island Squirrel Atop Westview Building Fence by Budulay Leopoldovich Vadim Malinsky

Reported last Thursday on dead squirrels being found near Roosevelt Island's Westview Building and Good Shepherd Plaza.

... Me and my husband discovered 8 bodies. One of them is still lying
 

in the corner schoolyard next to Westview....

Yesterday, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) issued the following advisory:

Please be advised that the use of rat poison in public spaces on Roosevelt Island is prohibited. The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation's pest control program utilizes traps rather than poison. Please be aware that placing toxic substances in public areas poses a danger to children, pets and wildlife.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

Roosevelt Island resident Budalay Leopoldovich Vadim Malinsky found these poison Rodent Bait Boxes 

Image From Vadim Malinsky

on the Westview lawn

Image From Vadim Malinsky

and against the

Image From Vadim Malinsky

Building.

Image From Vadim Malinsky

Let's see how long these poison boxes remain outside Westview.

RIOC Advisories For Wednesday June 20 - Roosevelt Island Southpoint Park Closed For Herbicide Spraying and No Parking From 559 to 571 Main Street

 Image Of Southpoint Park From Brian Blazak of Roosevelt Island Historical Society

Received the following advisories from the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) for Wednesday June 20.

On Wednesday June 20, 2012 Southpoint Park will be closed due to a scheduled herbicide spraying of the east and west areas.

A further notice will follow regarding Southpoint Park’s re-opening.

We apologize for the inconvenience.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

More on Roosevelt Island herbicide spraying from previous posts.

Also:

As a reminder there will be no parking on Wednesday, June 20, 2012 from 559 Main Street to 571 Main Street between the hours of 12:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Any vehicle found in violation will be summonsed and towed.

Thank you for your anticipated cooperation.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

UPDATE 6/20 - RIOC adds:

This is a reminder that Southpoint Park will be closed today due to a scheduled herbicide spraying of the east and west areas of the park. Additional work will be performed in the park which includes cutting and removing weeds. The spraying is the second scheduled herbicide treatment to the area that was originally scheduled for earlier this spring. Please note that the organic herbicide is not harmful to wildlife or humans.

A further notice will follow regarding Southpoint Park’s re-opening.

 

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

Roosevelt Island Herbicide Spraying For Poison Ivy And Weed Growth At Community Garden & Blackwell Park Scheduled For Friday Morning

You Tube Video of How To Spot Poison Ivy

Received the following Advisory from the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

Please be advised on Friday, October 29, 2010 at 5:00 a.m. Save-A-Lawn will be spot treating specific areas around the island for poison ivy and weed growth. The lawn areas to be treated will be the outer perimeters of the Community Garden (near the pathway of the Comfort Station) and isolated areas in Blackwell Park. These areas will have the necessary signs posted that are required by New York State Law.

Although treated sites are safe to frequent twenty minutes after treatment, it is a state requirement to keep the area clear for 24 hours. Please note that pesticides will not be applied anywhere near children play areas or dog runs.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

More on Roosevelt Island pesticide and herbicide spraying here.

RIOC Bombarded By Emails From Roosevelt Island Residents On Pesticide Spraying, RIOC Says Synthetic Pesticides Are Safe, Cheaper & Better Than Organic

You Tube Video of Worker Spraying Pesticide (not on Roosevelt Island)

As reported in post earlier this week, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) issued an advisory regarding the planned spraying of pesticides:

... Please be advised on Tuesday, September 28, 2010 Save-A-Lawn will be applying pesticide applications at various common areas island wide. The lawn areas to be treated are Riverwalk Commons, Rivercross, Blackwell Park, Toddler Park, Tennis courts, Firefighter's Field, Capobianco Park, Pony Field and some areas at Lighthouse Park....

During the 9/27 RIOC Operations Committee Meeting, RIOC VP of Operations Fernando Martinez and President Leslie Torres reported being bombarded by emails from Roosevelt Island residents concerned about the safety of these pesticides claiming that the pesticides resulted in kids getting sick. Mr. Martinez and Ms. Torres assured the RIOC Directors that the pesticides and herbicides being used met the stringent safety requirements of New York State. Mr. Martinez also said that the traditional compounds being used were more effective and three times less expensive ($15,000 for organic versus $5,000 for traditional) than organic compounds suggested by some residents. (The audio web cast of the meeting is here. The discussion of pesticides begins around the 1 hour 8 minute and 30 second mark).

Below is an example of email messages sent to RIOC regarding the use of pesticides on Roosevelt Island from a Concerned Island Resident:

I have just learned about this in the last 24 hours...Please take time out of your day to call RIOC to make sure they do the right thing! These chemical will be applied right outside our front doors where our children play and we walk our dogs everyday and night!

I have called them this morning to ask " are they not going to use the Organic Pesticide" ? If not, why not? The Contractor said that there is a organic formula they can use, but RIOC has to ask for it. The water supply as well will be tainted by this not to mention the safety of children, people and animals that live here. We must call RIOC and make sure they are not going the cheap route to save money while endangering our well being here. It is crazy to believe they would do this, but we have to make sure they know we are concerned about what route they are taking in this matter. I hope that the person that makes this decision is aware of all the horrible
things that can happen if they use the toxic formula. I will try to have faith that the powers that be will take care of this matter today.

RIOC Community Relations Specialist Erica Wilder responded to the Concerned Island Resident on 9/28 as follows:

Thank you for contacting us regarding your concerns of the use of pesticides and herbicides on the island. We understand the issues of the use of regulated chemicals and therefore take the necessary precautions to minimize exposure. The decision to use traditional spraying methods over organic was based on the advice from several licensed applicators. They agree that organic pesticides and herbicides are essentially ineffective.

We have contracted a licensed New York State regulated applicator of herbicide and pesticide products to spot treat specific areas around the island for infestations such as West Nile mosquitos, and for poison ivy and other noxious weeds. The applicator must follow protocols mandated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for the application of chemicals in fields, residential and common areas. We will provide residents with advance notice of the application on Friday, October 1st via the RIOC advisory as well as post signs near the areas which will be spot treated 78 hours in advance. Although we are advised that treated sites are safe to frequent twenty minutes after treatment, it is a state requirement to keep the area clear for 24 hours.

Due to the heavy rainfall today, the application has been postponed to a later date next week. We will send out an advisory 24 hours in advance to notify residents of the application.

If you should have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at 212-832-4540 ext 349.

Pesticides Being Applied To Roosevelt Island Parks - Riverwalk Commons, Rivercross Lawn, Blackwell Park, Toddler Park & Other Common Areas

Image of Pesticide Spraying From Green Planet did not occur on Roosevelt Island

Received the following advisory from the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

Please be advised on Tuesday, September 28, 2010 Save-A-Lawn will be applying pesticide applications at various common areas island wide. The lawn areas to be treated are Riverwalk Commons, Rivercross, Blackwell Park, Toddler Park, Tennis courts, Firefighter's Field, Capobianco Park, Pony Field and some areas at Lighthouse Park. These areas will have the necessary signs posted that are required by New York State Law.

Please note these areas should not to be utilized for at least 24 hours for your safety.

We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your cooperation.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

The NY Department of Environmental Conservation provides some questions and answers regarding New York State Pesticides Program.

Pesticides Being Applied To Roosevelt Island Parks - Riverwalk Commons, Rivercross Lawn, Blackwell Park, Toddler Park & Other Common Areas

Image of Pesticide Spraying From Green Planet did not occur on Roosevelt Island

Received the following advisory from the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp. (RIOC):

Please be advised on Tuesday, May 11, 2010 Save-A-Lawn will be applying pesticide applications at various common areas Island wide. The lawn areas to be treated are Riverwalk Commons, Rivercross, Blackwell Park, Toddler Park, Tennis courts, and some areas at Lighthouse Park. These areas will have the necessary signs posted that are required by New York State Law.

Please note these areas should not to be utilized for at least 24 hours for your safety.

We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your cooperation.

Sincerely,

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group

More questions and answers regarding New York State Pesticides Program from the NY Department of Environmental Conservation.