Ashland, OR Limiting the Use of Pesticides in the City

Ashland, OR, US

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Type: Municipal Code

Status: Adopted via Ordinance #2790 in 1996

Source File: http://www.ashland.or.us/CodePrint.asp?Branch=True&CodeID=2469

Text:

9.28 Pesticide Policy

9.28.010 Policy Adoption
The pesticide policy set forth in this chapter is adopted for all departments and divisions of the City of Ashland. This policy does not apply to the Ashland Parks and Recreation Department which is administered by the Ashland Parks and Recreation Commission. The Ashland Parks and Recreation Department has a similar policy in place.

9.28.020 Purpose
This policy is designed to reduce the risk of illness or injury resulting from city employee and citizen exposure to pesticides used in the course of performing city operations and also from the accidental exposure of employees and other persons to such pesticides. The policy requires city workplace practices designed to reduce or eliminate the use of, and exposure to, pesticides.

9.28.030 Use of Pesticides
Use of pesticides, including but not limited to herbicides, insecticides and growth retardants, shall be eliminated by the city except as provided in this chapter.

A. Mechanical and cultural methods shall be utilized whenever practical for control of noxious vegetation and pests. Practicality shall be determined by an Oregon Certified Pesticide Applicator and the respective department head or the department head's designee. Worker safety and terrain shall be among the factors considered in this judgement.

B. When mechanical and cultural methods are not practical, only the safest, lowest toxicity products available shall be used. No "restricted use" pesticides shall be used.

C. Primarily, species which do not require high inputs of herbicide shall be used in landscaping.

D. City staff shall monitor noxious vegetation and pest populations and rely on biological control when appropriate and effective.

9.28.040 Application of Pesticides
All pesticides shall be applied by, or under the supervision of, an Oregon Certified Pesticide Applicator. The certified applicator shall be responsible for overseeing and authorizing all pesticide use by city staff.

A. If pesticides with active ingredients having a greater acute toxicity than table salt (LD 50 = 2,500) are applied, the area of application shall be posted in advance and for the duration of the re-entry time specified on the pesticide label or MSDS sheet. For those application areas within fifty feet of the property line of a residence, written notice shall be given to such residence by mail or personally delivered.

B. Effort shall be made to determine the LD 50 of inert ingredients prior to application of a pesticide. If pesticides with inert ingredients having a greater acute toxicity than table salt (LD 50 = 2,500) are applied, the area of application shall be posted in advance and for the duration of the re-entry time specified on the pesticide label or MSDS sheet. For those application areas within fifty feet of the property line of a residence, written notice shall be given to such residence by mail or personally delivered.

C. Consideration shall be given to the possible short and long-term adverse impacts of the application upon humans, animals and plants of the proposed pesticide and of any chemical alternatives.

D. Different pesticides shall not be mixed.

E. No application shall be made when wind, rain, temperature or other environmental conditions would likely cause the pesticide to drift off target or onto adjoining property.

F. A written record shall be kept of all pesticide applications. Such records are to include the following information:

1. Name of applicator and date and time of application.
2. Substance used and location applied.
3. Mixing ratio.
4. Total amount used.
5. Weather conditions.
6. Other pertinent information.
7. Name of certified applicator and department head who approved application.

9.28.050 Training and Authorization

A. No city employee shall use or apply any pesticide without prior training. Training shall include effective and alternative methods of pest control as well as safety considerations. The city administrator shall designate a city employee to be responsible for the creating and overseeing a training and education program.

B. No city employee shall use or apply any pesticide mechanically or by hand without approval of the employee's department head or the department head's designee and event specific authorization from a certified applicator.

9.28.060 Purchase of Pesticides
Pesticides shall only be purchased by the City Purchasing Agent after consultation with a certified applicator and the approval of the respective department head or the department head's designee.

9.28.070 Storage of Pesticides
All pesticides shall be stored in a safe, secure environment. The purchasing agent, certified applicators and department heads shall have exclusive access to the storage area.

9.28.080 Annual Review
An annual review of policies and procedures regarding the use and application of pesticides shall be conducted at the department head level. Attendance at the review is mandatory for all city personnel who apply pesticides.

9.28.090 Violation of Policy
Violation of any of any portion of this policy shall be grounds for disciplinary action.