Clean Water Action

Pesticide Free Zones

Burlington County, June 2006

By DANIELLE CAMILLI, Burlington County Times, June 6, 2006

Burlington County is working to make its parks environmentally safe for visitors. The county Board of Freeholders recently declared picnic and playground areas in the county park system as "pesticide-free zones." In addition, all areas along waterways in county parks are pesticide-free zones, as well.

With the designation, Burlington County becomes the first in the state to implement the policy as part of its integrated pest-management plan. The freeholders adopted the plan, which encourages alternatives to pesticide use, several years ago but the zones are new.

Integrated pest management calls for the management of insects, undesired plants and plant diseases with tools that are least likely to impact human health or the environment. Studies have shown that lawn pesticides increase the risk of cancer, asthma, immune system and nerve disorders.

"The zones really are the next step and a significant step in keeping the public safe from the dangers of pesticides," said Jane Nogaki of Evesham, the pesticide program coordinator of the New Jersey Environmental Federation who worked with the county on the program.

The county launched the effort earlier this month during the annual Earth Festival at historic Smithville Park in Eastampton. County officials unveiled new signs with lady bugs on them to mark the zones. The zones extend 50 feet around picnic and play areas and 300 feet from a waterway. The waterway measure was adopted to help protect against runoff.

"As a matter of policy and practice, we make every effort to limit the use of pesticides in maintenance of all county buildings and properties," said Freeholder William S. Haines Jr. "These practices are in keeping with the freeholders' programs aimed at protecting water quality, but just as important are meant to be protective of public health."

Nogaki said protecting children from pesticide exposure is critical.

"Their size and their immature immune systems make them more susceptible to exposure," she said "Pound for pound, they absorb more and they also put their hands in their mouths. They have measured higher levels of pesticides in children."

In 2004, all public, private and charter schools in the state had to adopt integrated pest-management plans.

The rules are similar to the ones adopted by the county, and include the employment of pest-management practices where possible, and using only low-impact chemicals when necessary. When chemical pesticide application is necessary, a sign will be posted in the zones, Nogaki said. In the case of the schools, parents must be notified.

"We're really trying to hold the counties and municipalities to the same standard," she said. A handful of municipalities have already incorporated the zones into their pest-management policies. Nogaki is hoping that towns in the county will follow the lead of the freeholders.

Also, she said she wants the ladybug signs to inspire private property owners to become pesticide free. "Hopefully, the signs will be a take-home message to residents that there are alternatives to chemicals in their yards," Nogaki said.