TITLE: Title
Least Integrated Pest Management Policy Update
PURPOSE: The purpose of this agenda item is to present a draft update of the Town’s existing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Policy and to receive guidance from the Board of Alderman.
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DEPARTMENT: Public Works
CONTACT INFORMATION: JD Freeman - 919-918-7427, jfreeman@townofcarrboro.org
INFORMATION: Public Works staff have created a draft IPM policy update to better align with current EPA doctrine which, as a nature of progression, is a continual evolution to align with updated policies and technologies. Unfortunately, our IPM policy has not been revisited since its creation in 1999. Since that time, EPA has changed from complete removal of chemicals to their current policy of utilizing low targets levels to achieve a desired threshold of pests. The update will also provide guidance and a schedule to ensure that the Town’s IPM is a living document with regular reviews and updates. The IPM policy is supposed to be a living document with periodic updates occurring every 5 years to best capture evolving technology and procedures.
It is also proposed to include Plant Health Care (PHC) as part of the IPM policy. PHC is important as it provides guidance on how to focus on preventive maintenance by ensuring that plants thrive in a healthy environment. Healthy plants are better able to naturally deter pest without the need for human interaction.
Once the update is approved, Town staff will create an IPM Manual. This manual will provide pest managers with recommended sources of information about pest identification, pest biology, monitoring guidelines, options relative to action thresholds and general pest management procedures. It will also include the guidelines for creating Departmental IPM plans. The manual will be revised on an ongoing basis as the town gains further experience with IPM and PHC regarding specific and local pest situations.
The goal of the IPM policy update is to develop a systematic course of action to prevent pest infestations, and to manage pests successfully, while minimizing adverse effects on people and the environment. The purpose of updating the IPM policy is to assure municipal employees, visitors, and residents that no unacceptable public or environmental health risk is taken to control pests. The adoption of an updated holistic IPM and PHC program will provide the town with long-term control of pests and invasive weeds as well as maintenance of rights-of-way, landscapes, and parks that have an impact on town employees, residents, and visitors.
Staff will also provide a presentation regarding this item.
FISCAL & STAFF IMPACT: Essential Town staff personnel will receive an update of the IPM updates. Landscaping and Grounds procedures will not result in an increase in fiscal requirements.
RECOMMENDATION:r Staff recommends that the Board of Aldermen receive and approve the updated IPM policy.