Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: December 31, 2009 6:00 PM
The debate over lawn care chemicals is going provincial. The Ministry of Environment is asking British Columbians for input on whether additional rules are required for pesticides for cosmetic purposes. “It speaks to the level of interest of the public on this topic,” said Buffy Baumbrough, a Vernon councillor who sits on the environmental advisory committee. “It’s a good opportunity for them to put forward their views.” The provincial process comes at a time when the city is considering banning the cosmetic use of pesticides on public and private lands. “Given the number of e-mails I have received, I believe there is public support,” said Baumbrough, adding that staff is currently reviewing the viability of a ban. “But we also have to be realistic and make sure it’s operationally do-able.”
Dave Weatherill, Briteland owner, believes there could be benefits to the provincial process. “I hope people are educated as to alternatives based on knowledge instead of just having bans,” he said. “If there is a ban in place, bugs and weeds don’t acknowledge political decrees and they get worse.” Weatherill believes there isn’t enough information about the training lawn care companies or businesses like his must follow. “They’ve gone through the gauntlet to be registered,” he said. “Everyone is looking to live in a safe community. If use a product that’s been tested, there are rules to follow.” Weatherill also fears an outright ban on pesticides could force some people to make their own remedies and that could put the environment and people at risk. “They could be using a product that is far more hazardous.”
The consultation process will continue until Feb. 15, and the results will be made public in the spring. “It just makes sense to limit pesticide use to what is actually required to accomplish a particular task, which is why we already require the use of integrated pest management for many pesticide uses in B.C.,” said Environment Minister Barry Penner. “We now want to have a discussion about how we can encourage all British Columbians to reduce unnecessary pesticide use.”
2 comments:
It is frustrating to spend extra on organic products and an organic garden only to have herbicide or pesticide waft over to your property.
Has anyone considered the fact that our four-legged friends walk on the pavement adjacent to sprayed properties then track it back inside our homes?
http://www.ecochem.com/ENN_herbicide_dogs.html
Why is discussing pesticide ban in B.C. such a big deal? There is no need to reinvent the wheel. Both Ontario and Quebec have pesticide bans for cosmetic purposes. Why not learn from their experience? In both these provinces the bans are working. Lawns (e.g. mine and my daughter's, as well as those of our neighbours) are doing fine. Public properties, such as parks and sports fields, are doing fine too under the pesticide-free regime. The Ontario government and industry are developing new, eco-friendly lawn applications. What's good for Ontario is likely to be good for B.C.
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