School Pesticides IPM Rule Up For Public Comment
People not able to attend the public hearings, or wishing to supplement their comments at the hearing, can submit written comment up until 4 p.m. July 17, 2002. Comments can be submitted by mail, e-mail or fax:
Robert Batteese
Board of Pesticides Control
28 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333
Fax: (207) 287 7548
Board of Pesticide Control News - June 2002
Pesticides in Schools Regulation
Background for Testimony
In response to a request by the Maine Toxics Action Coalition, the BPC formed a 14-member committee to draft a proposal to control the use of pesticides in schools. This request was driven by the results of a survey by the Maine Department of Agriculture, released in October, 2000, revealing that most pesticide applications in Maine schools are made illegally, by school custodial staff who are not licensed and have no training in pesticide application, safety, or health concerns. Only 5% of schools provide written notice when pesticides are to be applied, and 82% of the 88% of Maine school districts represented in the survey had no integrated pest management plan in place.
The rule-making committee met six times since its inception in December of 2001, and included representatives of MTAC, the Toxics Action Center, and MOFGA, as well as pesticide applicators, manufacturers, and school administrators. At the March 2002 meeting of the BPC, committee members presented the drafted proposal. The main provisions of the proposed rule are: 1) All elementary and secondary schools develop and utilize an Integrated Pest Management Plan to be updated annually; 2) All indoor pesticide applications be limited to baits, wall void, or crack and crevice treatments unless pests threaten occupant health and safety; 3) All elementary and secondary schools notify parents and legal guardians that such a plan exists and is available upon request.
The committee could not reach consensus on the fourth element of the rule, regarding the form of parental notification of specific pesticide applications. The committee presented several options to the Board for their determination. The Board ultimately declined to follow the MTAC’s proposal to notify parents in writing in advance each time an application is made. Instead, the Board voted to propose a draft rule allowing schools to choose their method of notification: either universal notification of every non-exempt pesticide application, or notification to parents who register annually on a school- maintained registry. Committee representatives from the Maine Toxics Action Center, Maine Toxic Action Coalition, and MOFGA, however, supported universal notification to all parents every time an application is made.
The proposed rule (click here to review) is subject to modification in response to input received at two public hearings to be held on June 26 and 27, 2002, in Bangor and Lewiston /Auburn (see above).
EVEN IF PEOPLE DO NOT TESTIFY, COMING TO THE HEARING TO SHOW SUPPORT FOR PROTECTING OUR CHILDREN FROM PESTICIDES APPLICATIONS IN SCHOOLS IS VERY IMPORTANT.