In January, 2018 the Portland City Council passed the City of Portland Pesticide Use Ordinance (Chapter 34 of City Code) that prohibits the use of synthetic pesticides on public and private property except in limited circumstances. This ordinance establishes organic land care methods as the primary means to care for and maintain property in the City of Portland including lawns, gardens, athletic fields, parks, and playgrounds.
To support the implementation and administration of this ordinance the City Council established the Pesticide Management Advisory Committee (PMAC). Duties of this committee include:
Advising the Sustainability Coordinator and the Sustainability and Transportation Committee about implementation of the ordinance and recommended amendments
Implementing an ongoing education and outreach program in coordination with the Sustainability Coordinator that will inform residents, property owners, and landscaping companies about the ordinance and ways to manage their property organically.
Creating an annual report about the ordinance to the Sustainability and Transportation Committee
Hearing and ruling on waivers submitted by property owners who believe they have an emergency situation on their property that requires the use of synthetic pesticide to remedy.
Membership
The PMAC consists of seven members
Jesse O'Brien: A practicing agronomist
Tim Lindsay: Licensed applicator
Carol Laboissonierre: Licensed applicator certified in organic landcare by the Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA).
Avery Yale Kamila, Citizen representative
Priscilla Skerry: Citizen representative
Karen Snyder: Citizen representative
Troy Moon: A member of City staff designated by the City Manager who is certified in organic landcare practices by NOFA
For more information about the pesticide ordinance contact Troy Moon at thm@portlandmaine.gov.
Agendas & Minutes
Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.
Links to recordings of the Waiver Committee meeting where members discussed an appeal from Cheverus High School for a waiver from the Pesticide Ordinance to treat sod webworms on their varsity athletic field.
