On July 22, the Township Council voted unanimously in favor of an ordinance, O-24-22, that:
1) Officially prohibits synthetic pesticides (including herbicides, insecticides, fungicides) used on township-owned properties. Note: It does not regulate pesticide use on private property.
2) Formalizes the use of organic land care practices on township-owned properties.
3) Ensures the town only purchases plants from nurseries who have not treated the plants with synthetic insecticides.
“Montclair Township already made it a practice to refrain from the use these synthetic pesticides on township-owned land,” explains Deputy Mayor Susan Shin Andersen. “With advice and leadership from the Montclair Environmental Commission (MEC), the Council decided it was time to formalize that environmentally progressive practice on public property to ensure this protection for the long-haul.”
Department of Community Services Director Austin Ashley adds, “The Department of Community Services (DCS) proudly supports the township's newly adopted pesticide ordinance. This new measure formalizes practices that DCS has long implemented across Montclair's public spaces. You can count on our parks and public areas being clean and maintained free of toxic chemicals, so when families and pets are out enjoying themselves, they don't have to worry.”
“Montclair is one of the first NJ towns to pass such a strong ordinance! We are hopeful that other towns will follow suit and this new regulation will inspire more Montclair residents to adopt similar environmentally responsible, chemical-free practices on their yards, fostering a healthier Montclair for residents, pets, birds, pollinators and beneficial insects, waterways, and wildlife,” shares Suzanne Aptman, Montclair Environmental Commission Chair. “The use of synthetic pesticides is not necessary to create a thriving, eco-beneficial, mosquito-free yard. In fact, using these chemicals can do just the opposite. Our eco-systems need support from all of us more than ever!”
Want to mirror these non-toxic, organic land care practices in your own yard? Check out this FAQ & suggestions (mtcenv.org/reducingpesticides) from the MEC!
Some important highlights from the ordinance’s introductory statements:
“WHEREAS,
- scientific studies associate exposure to pesticides, including herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides, with asthma, cancer, developmental and learning disabilities, nerve and immune system damage, liver or kidney damage, reproductive impairment, birth defects, and disruption of the endocrine system; and
- infants, children, pregnant women, the elderly, people with compromised immune systems and chemical sensitivities are especially vulnerable to pesticide effects and exposure; and
- pesticides can be harmful to pets, beneficial insects and pollinators, birds and other wildlife including threatened and endangered species, soil microbiology, plants, and natural ecosystems; and
- the use of hazardous pesticides is not necessary to create and maintain green lawns, recreational areas, and landscapes, nor reduce mosquito populations, given the availability of viable alternative organic land care practices and products.”