Home »
SD5 pesticide use minimal; ‘a last resort’
Following consultation with staff, parents and community members in May 2010 School District No. 5 (SD5) Board of Trustees developed a new district policy limiting pesticide use at school locations, called Application of Pesticides to District Buildings or Grounds (policy section 4.23).
According to Trustee Chris Johns, who chaired the SD5 Pesticide Committee in 2010, the policy has led to a significant reduction in pesticide use. However, maintenance staff has determined that there are seven locations throughout the district where alternative measures have not been sufficient. Three of these locations are at the District Board office in Cranbrook.
“We’ve kept a close eye on district property to see how the new limits would play out, and overall things are looking good,” said Johns. “However, there are a few school locations where we have to consider immediate risks to student safety. For example, in Cranbrook gopher holes have become a tripping hazard. In the Elk Valley there are invasive weeds growing through the asphalt which remain resistant to alternate methods of removal, including digging them out by hand.”
According to Johns, district staff pursued and tracked alternative measures, per board policy, before considering limited pesticide applications. “Our policy requires that we only use pesticide application as the last resort and only within an integrated pest and turf management plan using best practice and the safest known legal products.”
Spraying is expected to take place as early as June 22,. As has been past practice signage will be in place and the public is encouraged to avoid entering these areas during the times posted. Boom sprayers are also being used to apply liquid fertilizer as part of the district’s alternative weed control program.
Johns says the district will continue to explore alternate methods to spraying. “We knew that there might be some problem areas as we work on reducing pesticide use, but we remain committed to the reduction and to always look for safe alternatives.”
To view a copy of the SD5 policy on Application of Pesticides to District Buildings or Grounds (policy section 4.23) visit their website at sd5.bc.ca.
e-KNOW
