South Portland's Proposed Pesticide Use Ordinance

South Portland's NEW Pesticide Use Ordinance

 

On Wednesday September 7, 2016 the South Portland City Council passed an ordinance to restrict the use of pesticides for all turf, landscape, and outdoor pest management activities in the City.

• Press release
• Final ordinance
• Ordinance Development FAQs 

Background

On June 8, 2015, the nonprofit group Protect South Portland sponsored a presentation to the City Council about the harmful effects of pesticide use on public health and the environment, and the benefits of alternative land care practices. During this workshop the City Council voiced unanimous support for pursuing a pesticide ordinance. 

Following a second workshop on July 13, 2015 to review the policy landscape and different types of ordinances,the City Council directed staff to develop a draft ordinance that would greatly restrict or eliminate the use of pesticides throughout the City. The City Manager appointed a committee consisting of the Sustainability Coordinator, the Parks Superintendent and the Stormwater Program Coordinator to develop a draft ordinance based on research, stakeholder input, and best practices. 

The staff pesticide ordinance committee reviewed numerous documents and solicited input and guidance from a variety of stakeholders including policy makers, advocates, practitioners, and land care professionals to develop the draft ordinance. Jay Feldman, Director of Beyond Pesticides and Chip Osborne, President of Osborne Organics also worked with staff as consultants.  

Council Meeting Packets:

• Second reading on September 7, 2016 (FINAL)
• First reading on August 15, 2016 
• 4^th workshop on August 8, 2016 to review revised draft ordinance 

• Presentation by Fred Dillon, South Portland Stormwater Program Coordinator 
• Presentation by Jay Feldman, Beyond Pesticides

• 4^th workshop on April 20, 2016 (workshop cancelled)  
• First Reading on April 4, 2016 
• 3^rd workshop on February 29, 2016 to review the first draft of the proposed ordinance
• 2^nd workshop on July 13, 2015 to introduce different types of ordinances to the City Council and seek further guidance on how the Council would like to move toward a pesticide ordinance
• 1^st workshop on June 8, 2015 presentations about the harmful effects of pesticide use on public health and the environment, and the benefits of alternative land care practices