I’d like to set the record straight on some misinformation about Scarborough’s organic pest management program in David Domingos’ April 19 Maine Voices column, “South Portland’s proposal to ban synthetic pesticides too heavy-handed.” As a former town councilor and Ordinance Committee chair, I helped write and pass Scarborough’s policy.
Mr. Domingos incorrectly implied that the grub problem on Scarborough town property was a product of the organic pest management policy. The fact is that Scarborough inherited a major grub problem from a vendor who’d been using a standard integrated pest management program.
We knew there was a grub problem before implementing organic pest management. One area was so large that it likely festered for months or even years. Quite obviously, synthetic pesticides (integrated pest management) had not controlled the problem and may even have made it worse.
Don’t let the pesticide industry’s scare tactics and misinformation put profit before health. (By the way, there will be plenty of profit from organic pest management as it continues to move into the mainstream.) Grubs don’t ruin lawns and turf if they’re treated promptly and not allowed to spread.
I live near Peterson Field in Scarborough. Even this early in the season, the turf is green and lush; it’s never looked so good. Recently the town renewed our contract with our organic pest management provider. If the organic pest management policy were failing, there would be no reason to continue.
Scarborough’s challenges with the policy have been that the turf (sports fields) get very heavy use. It’s a challenge with all playing fields, but parents can feel good about knowing their children aren’t exposed to potentially harmful pesticides. I applaud the work of citizens in South Portland and Portland to put in place an ordinance that will protect the health of families, kids and everyone who lives in and visits their cities.
Karen D’Andrea
Scarborough
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