Ties to herbicide firm taint toxicologist's testimony

On Wednesday evening, I attended the Eurasian milfoil treatment plan meeting hosted by Bonner County. Toxicologist Bernalyn McGaughey of Compliance Service International (a firm that provides consulting services to the chemical industry), presented information on the use of herbicides. Ms. McGaughey stated that her participation was sponsored by the Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Foundation. According to the foundation’s Web site, the president of the Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Foundation is Bill Culpepper. Bill Culpepper is also the president and CEO of Sepro Corporation, the company that produces Sonar, Renovate, and many other herbicides. Why am I left with the feeling that Sepro Corporation just paid (albeit indirectly) a toxicologist to lobby their herbicide interests in our community?

NICHOL DASKIVICH

Sandpoint