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HomeMy WebLinkAboutOPD-012-02 ''''" ".~ o REPORT OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT Meeting: GENERAL PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE Date: June 17, 2002 File #: !lOt! Gfll- 9-10 -Q;L By-Law #: Report #: OPD-012 -02 Subject: Pesticide Use Recommendations: It is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose and Administration Committee recommend to Council the following: 1. THAT Report OPD-012 -02 be received for information; and 2. THAT Mrs. Eyre, Mr. & Mrs. Olenick, My Home - Our Environment and the Integrated Pest Management Council of Ontario be advised of Council's decision; and 3. THAT a Volunteer Pesticide Use Committee be established to work in partnership with the Municipality; and 4. THAT a copy of this Report be forwarded to MP Alex Shepherd and MPP John O'Toole; and 5. THAT the Municipality investigates the implementation of an Integrated Pest Management Program. Submitted by: Reviewed bY:O ~---::J ~ Fre e C . Horvath, B.A., R.O.M.R., R.R.F.A. Franklin Wu, M.C.I.P. Dirac r of Operations Chief Administrative Officer 812 .. ,. . .,< REPORT NO.: OPD-012 -02 PAGE 2 1.0 BACKGROUND The issue of pesticide legislation is increasingly becoming a hot topic among residents over the perception of the effects of 2-4D and other pesticides within public parks, roadsides and by homeowners. Environmental advocates have called for the complete ban on the use of pesticides. Most Municipalities have not agreed with this position to date but are challenged to review, revise and respond to new ways of pest control. The Supreme Court of Canada's recent Hudson decision on the Rights of Municipalities to control pesticide use has focused the attention on urban lawn and garden pest management. Residents are becoming increasingly vocal about their concems on human health and we should expect this to intensify over the coming years. 2.0 PESTICIDE Pesticide is any natural or synthetic substance that can be used to control or kill pests of any sort including insects, fungi, rodents and weeds. The benefits of using pesticides lies on their ability to manage a pest that could become out of control and could threaten the quality of life we enjoy. Canada has one of the strongest regulatory systems in the world when dealing with pesticides. Pest control products are subject to over 120 tests to evaluate their impact. Products are also subject to the Pesticides Act of Ontario, which controls the sale, use, transportation and disposal of pest control products as well as training and licensing of operators. 2.1 Concerns on Total Ban of Pesticides The area that could cause us concern is the decline of our sports field due to a restricted or a minimal use policy on pesticide. As with most Municipalities, if a total ban were in place we would have little understanding on how to manage insect and weed pest problems. Staff believes there has to be initiatives in place to increase the confidence of the public and all stakeholders on pesticide reduction. Furthermore, that 81.5 .. ..~ . 1>, REPORT NO.: OPD-012 -02 PAGE 3 application and standards are in place to minimize crises and unnecessary controversies. A legal framework is already in place, which regulates the manufacture, sale and use of pesticides. It may be difficult to tell residents what they can or cannot do with a product that is deemed legal and safe by both the Federal and Provincial Government. The Federal Government recently declined the opportunity to restrict and/or reduce cosmetic use of pesticides when they introduced a Bill earlier this year revising the current pesticide legislation, which had been in effect since 1969. 2.2 Current Practice on Municipal Lands The Municipality does not have an active pesticide application procedure. Over the years regular applications have significantly decreased with spraying areas being confined to white grubs, poison ivy and sports field maintenance. In 2001, the Municipality purchased an Aquacide hot water machine for the control of spot vegetation as well as to assist with sports field markings. This equipment has showed success but does have its limitations. 3.0 INTREGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT PROGRAM The IPM Council of Ontario has formulated a process that promotes plant health and pest resistance. The program focuses on good horticultural practices first before using any chemical treatments. The IPM operates within a framework of protecting human health, respect for the diversity of ecosystems and protection of the environment. Good horticultural practices may include proper soil, mowing, watering, aeration, dethatching, top dressing and over seeding. A thick and healthy lawn can compete against most weeds, light insect infestations and disease. Staff will continue to investigate and will report back during 2003 Budget deliberations on how we can implement this program. 8\4 . . . . REPORT NO.: OPD-012 -02 PAGE 4 4.0 CITIZEN COMMITTEE As indicated on this report, pesticide spraying on Municipal lands is minimal. A key step in reducing the overall pesticide use is the reduction of pesticides used on private property. As a total cosmetic ban is probably premature at this time, education of the environmental issues and awareness of sound management practices is required. The Municipality may consider the establishment of a Volunteer Pesticide Use Committee to provide recommendations on how we educate, promote and reduce pesticide use. The volunteers in partnership with the Municipality would develop a public education and awareness program about alternatives to pesticide use. If the public were aware of the alternatives they would be more receptive to overall restrictions at some future date. The Clarington Agricultural Advisory Committee has already expressed an interest to sit on the working committee, if approved by Council. 5.0 CONCLUSION The Municipality of Clarington is concerned about the use of chemical pesticides on our lawns and/or gardens, and is committed to reducing their use. Programs such as Integrated Pest Management will be promoted as a method of sustaining a healthy environment over the next several years. The Municipality strongly recommends that the Federal Government take the lead role in developing and implementing a national education and awareness campaign regarding reduction and safe use of pesticides and furthermore recommend a phased in strategy from significant dependence towards minimal dependence. Over the next several years the Region of Durham Health Department should be requested to examine the possibility of developing a program to promote pesticide reduction on private property in consultation with all stakeholders. With the concerns of the West Nile Virus and possible spraying programs required as an emergency option, the Health Department has the resources to take a leadership role in the well being of our community consistent with the other area Municipalities across the Region. The Operations Department (5\j .,. ..... REPORT NO.: OPD-012 -02 PAGE 5 is concerned with the significant impact on our environment that may result from current operation practices in both the public and private sector. Our individual and collective behaviors attitudes need to be refocused to include environmental issues as a priority. Interested parties to be advised of Council's decision: Mrs. N. Eyre 16 Driftwood Lane Newcastle, Ontario L1B1A7 Mr. & Mrs. Nick Olenick 28 Wilmot Trail Newcastle, Ontario L 1B 1A1 Ms. J. Stock Interim Project Manager My Home - Our Environment Suite 101, 5830 - 176A Street Surrey, British Columbia V3S 4HS Mr. T. DiGiovanni IPM - PHC Council 7856 Fifth Line South R. R. #4 Milton, Ontario L9T 2V8 CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON 40 TEMPERANCE STREET, BOWMANVILLE, ONTAR~ r ~ 3A6 T (905) 263-2292 F (905) 263-4433