Judge To Rule On Temporary Halt To Cape Herbicide Spraying

A judge is weighing whether to impose a temporary ban on spraying herbicides beneath overhead power lines in parts of Cape Cod.

Three property owners are suing electric utility Eversource and have asked for a temporary restraining order until the lawsuit is resolved.

They argue that the spraying violates state law prohibiting spraying within 100 feet of a public water supply, saying an aquifer that provides drinking water to Cape homes and businesses lies less than 100 feet from the surface and could be contaminated.

The Cape Cod Times reports that Barnstable Superior Court Judge Robert Rufo is expected to rule by early next week on the request.

Eversource has offered to skip spraying near the plaintiffs' properties during the latest round of treatment, which began late last month.