Wellesley Public Schools

11/12/2002

 

Integrated Pest Management Policy
For
Land Owned by
the
Town of Wellesley, Massachusetts

 

 

 

Land-Owners include:

Natural Resources Commission
School Department
Selectmen
Library Trustees
Police Department
Fire Department
Department of Public Works

 

 

 

Approved by Schol Committee 12/17/2002

 

Statement on Pesticides

            The Town of Wellesley ~ School Committee ~ agrees with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that all registered pesticides are toxic and that, even at low levels, they may cause serious adverse health and environmental effects.
            The Town of Wellesley ~ School Committee ~ recognizes that all its citizens, particularly children, have a right to protection from exposure to hazardous chemicals and pesticides in particular.
            Furthermore, the Town of Wellesley ~ School Committee ~ recognizes that it is in the best interest of public health to take precautionary action to protect our citizens and their drinking water supply by reducing the use of toxic pesticides in Wellesley.

Therefore, the Town of Wellesley ~ School Committee ~ adopts the following policy:

Integrated Pest Management Policy
  • The use and application of toxic chemical pesticides, either by Town of Wellesley employees or by private contractors, is prohibited on all Town of Wellesley ~ School Committee ~ outdoor lands; except for certain exemptions and emergency waivers as described below, which must also comply with the School Children and Families Protection Act.
  • Pre-emptive turf, landscape and grounds cultural, biological and physical maintenance practices shall be undertaken to understand, prevent, and control potential pest problems.
  • All control products used under the terms of this policy shall be in keeping with, but not limited to, those products on the preferred list of Northeast Organic Farmers’ Association as stated in their Standards for Organic Land Care, and/or the Organic Materials Review Institute of Eugene, Oregon.
  • An IPM Advisory Committee shall be formed.

Exemptions

            All outdoor pest management activities taking place on Town of Wellesley land shall be subject to this IPM policy except as follows:

  1. Pesticides otherwise lawfully used for the purpose of maintaining a safe drinking water supply at drinking water treatment plants and at wastewater treatment plants and related collection, distribution, and treatment facilities.
  2. Pesticides in contained baits or traps for the purpose of rodent control.
  3. Pesticides classified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency as exempt materials under 40CRF 152.25, or those pesticides of a character not requiring FIRFA regulation.

Emergency Waivers

      If an emergency public health situation warrants the use of pesticides which would otherwise not be permitted under this policy, the Town of Wellesley Board of Health shall have the authority to grant a temporary, one-time waiver if

  1. The pest situation poses an immediate threat to human health AND
  2. Viable alternatives consistent with this IPM policy do not exist.

If an emergency property hazard situation warrants the use of pesticides which would otherwise not be permitted under this policy, the Town of Wellesley ~ School Committee ~ shall have the authority to grant a temporary, one-time waiver if
1)  The pest situation poses an immediate threat to human health AND
2)  Viable alternatives consistent with this IPM policy do not exist.

All pesticides used under the emergency waiver clause must be used in compliance with the Children and Families Protection Act governing pesticide use on school property, including standard notification of parents, teachers, students and staff.

If pesticides are used under the emergency waiver clause, then the area treated shall be conspicuously sign posted as soon as possible after application and for a period of at least 48 hours.  Furthermore, the IPM committee shall be notified as soon as practical, and a specific IPM plan developed to prevent further such emergencies.

IPM Advisory Committee
            An IPM Advisory Committee shall be created to oversee and assist in the implementation of the IPM policy, to develop an IPM program consistent with this policy, and to assist the Town of Wellesley Departments to achieve the full and successful implementation of this policy.  In addition, their duties will include:

  • Creating a 5 year turf management plan for athletic fields consistent with this policy.
  • Compiling a registry of all pesticides currently stored on Town owned premises, with a goal of proper disposal through Hazardous Wastes Collection program.
  • Ensuring that the Town compost be tested on a yearly basis for contaminants, including, but not limited to, heavy metals and pesticides.
  • Ensuring that Town water be tested for pesticides at least every three years based upon recommendations by the IPM Advisory Committee.
  • Ensuring that Town of Wellesley employees who work with turf, landscape, or grounds receive yearly education and training in natural, organic turf, landscape, and grounds management.

            The Advisory Committee will seek broad community participation on a non-voting basis.  Membership on the IPM Advisory Committee shall be comprised of a representative from each of the following:Town of Wellesley, Board of Health

  • Town of Wellesley, Natural Resources Commission
  • Town of Wellesley, School Department
  • Town of Wellesley, Recreation Department
  • Town of Wellesley, Department of Public Works
  • Town of Wellesley, Selectmen
  • Town of Wellesley, Playing Fields Task Force
  • Up to 3 Citizen Representatives, knowledgeable about environmental toxins and/or integrated pest management techniques