January 28, 2004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Eric Cárdenas, CCEHP
(805) 963-1622

SB City Council Implements Landmark Pesticide Reduction Policy with Unanimous Vote
Policy Includes 15 Pesticide-Free Parks, Public Representation

SANTA BARBARA-Ca.- After three years of groundwork by the Environmental Defense Center, the Santa Barbara City Council unanimously approved a least-toxic pesticide program that will immediately result in pesticide reduction on all City properties. The Integrated Pest Management, or IPM, policy was approved unanimously by the City Council on Tuesday, January 27th, 2004. This unanimous vote came after a hundred people, including families, came out to voice their support. The policy will immediately commit the City to pesticide reduction practices, with the goal of becoming a pesticide-free city.

“Known for our environmental stewardship principles, the adoption of this policy by the City Council has not come a bit too soon,” said Eric Cárdenas, Director of EDC’s Central Coast Environmental Health Project (CCEHP). “We thank the City for their work and commitment, and we look forward to ensuring a successful program.

As adopted, the IPM policy mandates reduction and elimination of the most toxic pesticides from all City-owned properties and departments. This policy also provides for bilingual public notification for any applications in public areas, the development of an “Approved List” of acceptable pest management materials, and the creation of a City run IPM Committee that will include members of the public. Under the policy, 15 of the City’s 55 parks will immediately become pesticide free. Those parks not on the list of 15 will implement “pesticide-free spray” zones if they contain playgrounds, picnic benches and/or creeks. Finally, this IPM policy commits the City to an ultimate goal of becoming entirely pesticide free.

“Fifteen completely pesticide-free parks in Santa Barbara is a huge step forward,” remarked Mr. Cárdenas. “But we look forward to the day when all of our beautiful parks eliminate the use of toxic pesticides.”

The EDC has worked closely with the Pesticide Awareness and Alternatives Coalition (PAAC) and City staff to develop a program that allows options for pest management, but which also removes the most hazardous materials from use by the City. In addition to immediate implementation of the policy, the City must continue to evaluate and remove pesticides determined to be of high risk to the public or environmental health.

“As with any new program, there will be obstacles to overcome,” said Cárdenas. “I think everyone realizes this but are committed to making the program work.”

The EDC is a non-profit public interest environmental law firm working to protect the environment, health, and quality of life of Central Coast residents. CCEHP is a project of the EDC that seeks to raise awareness about health risks posed by pesticide exposure while promoting safer alternatives through education and advocacy.

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