Report shows insecticide found in about 30% of LI groundwater samples

One of the most common insecticides used for landscaping has been found in Long Island's groundwater, according to a new report.

The Natural Resources Defense Council released a report that found insecticide in about 30 percent of groundwater samples from all over the Island. The NRDC says the insecticide is killing bees and other pollinators.

Master beekeeper Richard Blohm has been raising bees for 50 years. He says the insecticide imidacloprid, which is used by commercial landscapers, has been killing bees and it should be outlawed. He says the decline of the honeybee is a wake-up call that should not be ignored.

The NRDC's report further confirms Blohm's concern, but also points out that the groundwater is now contaminated.

Long Island environmentalists are not surprised by the findings and say so far there are no plans to remove the contamination.
Each year, Blohm brings millions of bees to Long Island to help farmers pollinate their crops.
The makers of the insecticide say it is approved by the Environmental Protection Agency. The insecticide has already been banned in Europe.