Recently, a large field separated from the lake only by the dirt road of Cavaiano in the municipality of Capodimonte, was treated with pesticides. The repeated rains of this period wash the product into the lake, both directly after infiltration into the soil, and through two ditches that delimit the field.

It is known that the irregular use of pesticides is one of the major causes of lake degradation – Lake Vico docet. Speaking of glyphosate, the most common herbicide and systematic broad-spectrum biocide (a real “serial killer”), a note from ISPRA states that it is a “substance dangerous for the aquatic environment”, for which “its use must be absolutely prohibited within protected natural areas” such as Lake Bolsena. See here for a summary of the environmental and regulatory issue.

Three years ago, exactly the same land was (mis)treated in the same way, as we reported in two news items at the time. An article in the Osservatorio had also talked about it.

The person responsible had been charged by the Carabinieri Forestali with a significant administrative fine. What if it were the same offender again? Another serial killer?

The Capodimonte incident is not an isolated case but rather widespread in the fields along the lakeside of Gradoli, Grotte and San Lorenzo. It would seem necessary to resume the discussion that began years ago on the urgent need to adopt municipal regulations on the use of pesticides.