Tim Morris is the Greens water spokesman in Tasmania. He has released a press statement (see above) about the use of the pesticide Atrazine. Again we see the precautionary principle being used in its deep green strong hue.
He quotes a recent study titled Atrazine reduces reproduction in Fathead Minow undertaken by the United States Geological Survey.
The study's principle author’s Donald E Tillett concludes:
"the reproductive effects observed in this study warrant further investigation and evaluation of the potential risks posed by atrazine, particularly in wild populations of fish from streams in agricultural areas with high use of this herbicide".
Morris claims there have been over 139 reported contamination detections of atrazine in Tasmania including the contamination of ground water supplies however under the current self regulatory system none of the atrazine contamination events are illegal.
Morris called on The Tasmanian parliament to enact the precautionary principle and ban triazines in Tasmania in the interests of protection both human and environmental health.
This is a classic strong PP application: Uncertainty, action to be taken, exclusive of any other information about the benefits of triazine herbicides in agriculture and a call for a ban.
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