Dear Ogunquit Neighbor,                        May 2014

We urge you to vote “Yes” June 10th on Article 7, an amendment to our current Pesticide Ordinance.   Last June, an amendment was 6 votes shy of being passed, with many voters abstaining.  We listened to you and have changed the ordinance.  All of us value and want to protect our health and waterways, but some expressed concern about restrictiveness and enforcement.

Why do we want to limit the use of pesticides in Ogunquit?

There is a long list of health concerns for adults as well as children and animals from the property that is treated as well as our common rivers, ocean and beach.  Details are online.

What is different about this year’s ordinance?

The 2014 proposed ordinance is significantly different and more flexible.  It is not an outright ban on pesticides like last year and what is currently in place for town property.  Pesticides are allowed in numerous situations and there is a streamlined process for waivers.

How can I implement this ordinance as a land owner?

The effective date is not until January 1, 2015, allowing you time to change some of your products and practices.  Ongoing, practical information will be disseminated in writing, online, and at meetings.  We have already met with several local lawn care companies and product distributors.  Organic landscaping products and techniques are in wide use, available at local stores, and do not have to cost more money. 

What if I have a problem that cannot be handled by organic methods?

Exemptions include indoor pesticide use, contained baits/traps for rodents, controlling noxious weeds like poison ivy and invasive species like black swallow wort.   Pesticides are also allowed for health and safety by controlling insects that are disease carrying such as deer ticks and some mosquitos.  Also, a list of exempt pesticides is maintained by the EPA.  Waivers can be granted for other specific situations if there is a threat to human health, the environment, or of substantial property damage.

How will the ordinance be enforced?

Enforcement will be education-oriented and rely on the honor system.  Land owners will exercise their own controls on the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides.  Plus, all local landscaping companies will be aware that they need to comply with the ordinance. 

Why do we need an ordinance vs. a voluntary effort?

Every home in Ogunquit is like waterfront property because what one does on their land (even unintentionally) eventually ends up in our waters.  Run-off from storm water and melting snow carries chemicals and toxic matter into our waterways.  Also, tracking pollutants to a specific source is extremely costly and sometimes impossible.  Only a community-wide solution addresses our pollution cause and effect.   Participation in volunteer campaigns over the last several years has been minimal.

We ask for your “yes” vote to keep Ogunquit beautiful and healthy.  Go to ogunquitconservation.org for more information including definitions, health effects of pesticides, and links to further information.  Email us at [email protected] with any questions or ideas. 

Thank you, Your Ogunquit Conservation Commission

P.S.   Last year, a company called RISE illegally distributed flyers to Ogunquit homes prior to the vote on the ordinance.  This organization covertly represents chemical companies and lobbies on behalf of pesticide manufacturers and distributors.   Let’s show them and others that small, but smart Ogunquit wants to move away from toxic practices that may have made sense in the last century.