|
Back to P2 Table of Contents
Pollution Prevention in Pesticide Management
Introduction
Reduction in the use of pesticides in local government operations can be achieved by using Integrated Pest Management (IPM). IPM utilizes regular monitoring to determine if and when treatments are needed. It employs physical, mechanical, cultural, biological and educational tactics to keep pest numbers low. Least-toxic pest control methods are used as a last resort. Using these alternatives will result in decreased use of pesticides. Many of the tips listed below may not initially appear to be related to pesticide pollution prevention. The tips will result in lowered reliance in pesticide use by making the plants healthier. Healthy plants are able to withstand pest invasions much like healthy humans. Although IPM reduces reliance on pesticides, some pesticide use may still be necessary. In these cases, use pesticides properly and safely.
Typical Wastes Generated
Empty containers such as bags, drums, bottles, and cans. Containers should be triple rinsed or "jet rinsed" prior to disposal. Tripled rinsed containers should be crushed or punctured to prevent re-use. Containers can be reduced in quantity by buying in bulk; however, never buy more than you need. When possible, purchase in recyclable containers that can be returned to dealers.
Excess mixture - the diluted pesticide left over in the spray tank. Best disposal method is to use it on a site.
Excess product - the unused pesticide no longer needed due to change in procedures or because the pest problems are solved. Best disposal method is to find someone who can use it.
Rinse water from containers and application equipment - add this rinse water to your tank and use.
Expired pesticides - result from poor inventory management or from improper storage. Contact the vendor to inquire if the manufacturer will take back the product.
Top Pollution Prevention Opportunities
The following recommendations can help local governments achieve reductions in pesticide and herbicide applications and maintain regulatory compliance associated with chemical use, storage, and disposal.
Design for water conservation. Group plants with similar water needs together so they can be irrigated together and water will not be wasted on plants that do not need it. Proper watering will reduce stress on plants and allow their natural resistance to withstand pest attacks without the need for pesticides.
Employ Environmental Landscape Management (ELM). ELM is a common sense approach that starts with healthy growing space. Select pest resistant plants, use sound planting techniques, and correctly manage the established landscape. Place the right plants in the right place; choose plants according to soil characteristics (pH level, moisture retention), rainfall, and sunlight conditions available. Use more native plant species and reduce the use of exotics.
Avoid monocultures. Monocultures (single species planting such as large areas of grass) are very susceptible to infestation since most pests are host-specific. Growing different species together prevents pests from readily spreading.
Reduce water runoff by building retaining walls, directing water to a dry well or other areas to collect and percolate water through soil. If pesticides are used, this will reduce the likelihood of nearby water body contamination.
Use proper mowing practices. Mow grass with sharp blades. A dull blade rips grass making larger wounds and increases the disease pathogen's chance for establishing. Sharp blades also increase equipment efficiency and reduce wear and tear on equipment. Never cut off more than one-third the height of grass at any time.
Scout the landscape regularly to learn which plants have problems. Most plants (except grass) seldom have more than one major pest problem. By scouting, you will find problems early on and be able to solve them with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) without resorting to pesticides.
Use pesticides only when needed, not on a prescribed schedule. Use spot treatment instead of treating the entire area.
Make correct identification of insects prior to treatment. Less than 1 percent of all insects are harmful to plants. Take care not to harm beneficial insects.
Use least toxic pest control methods such as:
Horticultural Oils
Insecticidal Soaps
Natural Enemies such as:
Pathogens such as Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) which infects and controls caterpillars.
Predators such as purple martins, praying mantis, lady beetles, beneficial nematodes, and spiders
Parasites such as parasitic wasps
Diatomaceous Earth
Boric Acid
Pyrethrins
Insect Growth Regulators - which halt or interfere with the development of an insect before it matures.
Pheromones - which disrupt normal mating behavior by stimulating breeding pests and lures them into traps.
Insect Traps
Use mechanical treatments such as cultivating to control weeds, hand picking pests off plants, use of sticky traps.
Buy pesticides only in small quantities and store carefully in labeled, airtight containers. Plan your purchases so pesticides do not expire.
Understand that pest eradication is generally an unrealistic management objective. An attempt to totally eliminate a pest is likely to result in excessive pesticide application.
Outsource pest control services and write Integrated Pest Management requirements into the specifications.
Since pests come inside seeking shelter, water, and food; keep clutter, excess water sources such as drips or standing water in plant and food waste minimized.
Success Stories 1. The City and County of San Francisco, California
In October 1996, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors passed Chapter 39 of the Administrative Code, mandating that City departments adopt IPM. Chapter 39 states, "The City, in carrying out its operations, shall assume pesticides are potentially hazardous to human and environmental health." IPM coordinators were assigned in each department to act as the primary contact for staff and the public on IPM. The IPM coordinators also file the department's IPM Implementation Plan, keep records on pesticide application and review and keep on file the Inspection and Quality Assurance forms submitted by the IPM service providers. The IPM Implementation Plan outlines pest management strategies which the City department will use to control pests. The strategies emphasize preventive tactics and least-toxic approaches. For additional information, contact Alan Hom, IPM Project Coordinator at (415) 554-6399.
2. Westchester County, New York
Westchester County passed a local law (Chapter 690) to create a Pest Management Committee to develop and implement pest management policies using the principles of integrated pest management. They also created a requirement to use chemical pesticides only where feasible alternatives are not available. For additional information, contact Katherine S. Carsky, Chair, Board of Legislators Committee on the Environment, (914) 285-2846.
3. Cape May County, New Jersey
In September 1992, resolution 8199-92 was unanimously passed by the Cape May County Board of Chosen Freeholders which formally adopted an IPM plan. The plan defined IPM and established procedures to identify pest problems and control strategies. Routine applications of pesticides are permanently discontinued. When chemicals are deemed necessary, an entomologist determines the least toxic option. Cumulative savings to date amount to $44,551, and the use of pesticides and herbicides have been drastically reduced. For additional information contact Harry E. Kehr, Director, Department of Facilities and Services, (609) 465-1296.
4. The City of Santa Monica, California
Since most pest control was performed by contractors, the City of Santa Monica changed their pest control activities by changing their purchasing practices. The city drafted a Request for Qualifications (RFQ), RFP and specifications for IPM contractors which required contractors to provide detailed information on their IPM experience. The RFP required vendors to rank pest management options in categories of 'low,' 'medium,' and 'high' risk to human health and the environment. Santa Monica's specifications for IPM contractors included utilization of non-pesticide methods whenever possible and mandated prior approval from the city prior to applying or storing pesticides. For additional information, contact Debbie Raphael,
Environmental Programs Analyst, (310) 458-2255.
Additional Resources:
Common Sense Pest Control, by William Olkowski, Sheila Daar, and Helga Olkowski, The
Tauton Press, 1991, Newtown, CT, pp. 715.
"Biological Control of Insect and Mite Pests of Woody Landscape Plants: concepts, agents and
methods" by Michael J. Raupp, Roy G. Van Driesche, and John a. Davidson. Maryland
Cooperative Extension Service, 1993, pp. 39.
"Suppliers of Beneficial Organisms in North America" by Charles D. Hunter, California
Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Pesticide Regulation, Environmental
Monitoring and Pest Management Branch.
Cornell University World Wide Web site (http://www.nysaes.cornell.edu/ent/biocontrol/).
Handbook of Integrated Pest Management for Turf and Ornamentals, edited by Anne R. Leslie,
Lewis Publishers, 1989, Boca Raton, Florida, pp. 660.
National Farm*A*Syst, B142 Steenbock Library, 550 Babcock Drive, Madison, WI 52706-1293,
Phone: (608) 262-0024, Email: farmasyst@macc.wisc.edu.
Integrated Pest Management/Cooperative State Research Service. Contact Dr. Robert C. Riley,
Dr. James R. Cate, or Dr. John M. Barnes. USDA Cooperative State Research Service, Plant
and Animal Sciences, Aerospace Building, Washington, D.C. 20250-2220. Telephone: (202)
401-4781, Fax: (202) 401-4888.
Integrated Pest Management/Cooperative Extension Service. Contact Michael S. Fitzner, USDA
Extension Service, Ag Box 0909, Washington, D.C. 20250-0909. Telephone: (202)
720-2471, Fax: (202) 720-4395. E-mail: mfitzner@esuda.gov. 401- 4939.
Integrated Pest Management Information, National IPM Network - Colorado State University,
http://www.colostate.edu/Depts/IPM/csuipm.html.
National IPM Network. http://ipmwww.ncsu.edu/main.html
For more information, contact:
Kay Gervasi, Pollution Prevention Manager, Broward County Department of Natural Resource Protection, Phone: (954) 519-1257, Fax: (954) 765-4894, Email: kgervasi@co.broward.fl.us.
Back to P2 Table of Contents
|
