Thank you for your interest in learning more about hazardous and other industrial wastes in fertilizer. It has only been in recent years that the public has become aware of this method of disposal, and only then because of the persistence of a few Washington farmers, a small town mayor and the outstanding investigative skills of a Seattle Times� reporter Duff Wilson. The resulting investigative series 'Fear in the Fields: How Hazardous Waste Becomes Fertilizer' was a finalist for a Pulitzer Prize for public service reporting. Duff Wilson's book 'Fateful Harvest, the True Story of a Small Town, a Global Industry and a Toxic Secret' was published in 2001 just days before the attacks of September 11, 2001. Needless to say, the book was overshadowed by the tragic events of 9/11. As you enter this site to learn more, keep in mind that our children bear a disproportionate burden of the consequences from toxins released into the environment. While we cannot claim this method of disposal is the cause of the rise in childhood health problems, it may be a contributing factor. The most recently released Food and Drug Administration�s Total Diet Study for the period 1991-96 would seem to support at least cause for concern, recording a 50% rise in dietary arsenic since 1986 for both toddlers (2 year olds) and adults age 60-65 and a doubling of dietary arsenic for toddlers between 1984 and 1996.[1] We are at a point in history, where the silent majority � those who care about the environment and children�s health � can no longer afford to remain silent. The consequences of environmental change are all around us, and like 'canaries in the coal mine' our children are paying the price as sentinels. Statistics on childhood illnesses since 1980 are staggering. Asthma has increased 142%; cancer continues to rise at 1% per year; birth defects are rising; and 17% of all children under age 19 have some form of developmental disability[2]. Even the EPA acknowledges the 'probable cause' is 'environmental toxins' and that most likely the damage is being done in-utero. We have a unique opportunity to unite behind this issue that literally affects every one of us, and send a clear message to our elected officials that we want nothing less than a clean environment, and healthful food. I implore you to get involved and stay involved until this method of disposal has been banned and protective standards set. Please join me in protecting our future by demanding safe food and fertilizer. The cure is prevention. Patricia Anne Martin Former Mayor, City of Quincy Here is a link that might be useful: Safe Food and Fertilizer

All I can think of to say is "I thought all you fellers had died off ". I was faced with a similar problem more than 30 years ago and couldn't find a soul to pour lead. Had a few say they knew how but no longer had the tools (plumbers are known for that). Homeowner wanted to preserve the home true to it's period and was paying well for all the work being done to it. My job was was assisting owner in writing scopes of work and making certain they were followed. One of the contractors used scab labor on demo work that wound up damaging a lead sleeve between flange and cast iron. Realy straightfoward replacement of lead sleeve but noone would pour the joint. In my search for a plumber I asked at a supply house. The guy just laughed,went to the back and returned with a lead "repair"sleeve and two big ol soldering irons resembleing medieval war clubs. He gave me a few instructions and sent me on my way. I made my first and last lead repair plus a rock solid,long standing business relationship with the supply house owner. The story wouldn't be complete unless I confessed to my price couging. The contractor who damaged the thing said he would pay to have it repaired but refused to beat the brush for a plumber and pay him up front. I was on the homeowner's payroll during all the time I spent (this was long before cells and the vacant house had no phone) but I felt I was awol while away from the site. Right or wrong,I stuck the contractor with a bill I intended him to remember when he thought about cutting corners on labor or shirking responsibility of follow through. Anyhow,I hope you made a u-tube of the deed because many people may never see lead poured.

Are these being grown in a container? Too much water or too much fertilizer would be my first guess. Age could be a factor but OG's like pretty lean growing conditions for the most part, especially native prairie grasses.

bella ---I have Dallas Blues too which I started from three 4" pots from SRG planted together. Its vase shaped and loose but definitely has beautiful color. The pink panicles are very nice and quite big and in summer the leaves are blue but not as blue as Little Bluestem. I have it situated by the low wall surrounding the back patio/porch and it looks nice in afternoon sun. One clump is definitely enough for the size of my property. The leaves are much more spaced apart and wider so its kind of coarse in texture compared to the other named varieties. This is a switchgrass I think might flop or splay out for anyone who has too rich soil judging by how mine is doing this year with an abnormal amount of August/September rain but then it also seems to be less drought tolerant as the bottom leaves brown and shrivel when its dry and hot. It has stood back up after the rains but its not one you'd want if you are after verticality. I saw them planted at the Capital in a mass planting surrounded by hesperaloe in a large round area, it was gorgeous. I'm most disappointed in Shenandoah. So far it hasn't colored up red in fall for me here, anyway it hasn't so far and doesn't make much of a visual impact but with all the rain this year, I am seeing some red tips on the leaves. Its very low growing and to me its squatty looking, about the size & height of Sideoats Grama but with less visual punch IMO. I ended up transplanting all the 4" pots I ordered from SRG ones I ordered into one 'hole' rather than using it to fill in a massed planting. Hot Rod was a joke and a rip-off. It died after just sitting there not growing in size at all the first year, come spring it was a goner and it was planted in a good low spot-- nice and moist which is good for switch grasses with good drainage so I know it wasn't a problem with getting too dry. I wonder if its a case of over-breeding? I don't think June bug grubs got it because the roots were still intact when I dug it up, grubs are a problem with grasses here. If a person wants red, I advise getting the named Big Blue stem cultivars. I have 3 types and don't notice much difference in coloring etc (all have equally red stalks and 'turkey feet' no matter how the pictures online look that I've seen) but its still early and this is the first year they each have several stalks and are making a presence. I love this grass. All that rain and they stood up like soldiers even when wet, like exclamation marks.