Chemical ban considered

Published: March 17, 2009 7:00 PM Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star

Dousing your dandelion-covered lawn with chemicals may come to an end in Vernon. On March 23, the city’s environmental advisory committee will recommend that council ban the cosmetic use of pesticides on public land in 2010 and on private land in 2012. “We want to do it with public lands first to set an example and see how it works,” said Coun. Buffy Baumbrough, committee chairwoman. The committee began looking at the issue after some residents expressed concern about chemical application for cosmetic purposes. “How necessary are they if it’s for keeping your lawn free of dandelions?” said Baumbrough. “For some people, they believe it causes respiratory issues or rashes. Some believe the chemicals accumulate in your system and wonder what the long-term affects are.” Chemicals would still be used to control noxious weeds or for agricultural activities, and Baumbrough says there would be an education campaign to help residents find options to pesticides. While an individual from a garden centre was involved in the process, Baumbrough admits there have been no discussions with lawn care companies. “I’m sure there will be more discussion because it’s such a complex issue,” she said. A longtime advocate for banning chemicals on lawns and in parks is welcoming the recommendation from the environmental advisory committee. “It’s already in place in 200 communities,” said Kerry Bokenfohr, a Vernon resident. “Study after study shows we need to stop using pesticides.” Bokenfohr claims that chemical sprays can lead to a variety of health issues including cancer and neurological. “Children are most vulnerable because they are the ones playing on these surfaces.” And Vernon isn’t the only one looking at pesticides. The North Okanagan Regional District is considering instructing staff to continually look for methods that would reduce herbicide use yet maintain the integrity of grass in parks. Staff could also be asked to bring forward a report outlining a turf management and tree care program that would reduce the use of chemical products.