Sludge Watch ==> Ontario - comment on Ontario's intent to ban cosmetic use of pesticides

[Maureen Reilly]

Sludgewatch Admin:

The cosmetic use of pesticides exposes people and animals and biota to these 
killer chemicals.
Pesticides also end up in sewage sludge .... from runoff into the sewers 
after storm events, from laundering pesticide contaminated clothing, rinsing 
contaminated footwear, from emptying or rinsing pesticide containers into a 
sink or down a drain.

Pesticides have a second life in the sewers and then in the sludge that can 
be land applied on farmland or put on residential parks or vegetable 
gardens...another silent secret ingredient of these sludge-based soil 
ammendments or 'fertilizer'.

Ontario is looking at a ban on the cosmetic use of pesticides.  Good idea.
You have a month to provide comments to the Ministry of the Environment.  Be 
sure to include the Registry reference number in your response:

EBR Registry Number:   010-2248




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Policy Proposal Notice:   EBR Registry Number:   010-2248
Title: Notice of intent to introduce legislation that would ban the
cosmetic use of pesticides in Ontario.

Ministry: Ministry of the Environment
Date Proposal loaded to the Registry: January 18, 2008
    Keyword(s):   Pesticides
Comment Period: 30 days: submissions may be made between January 18,
2008 and February 17, 2008.
Description of Policy:
On November 20, 2007, the government committed to a toxics reduction
strategy to help protect Ontarians from potentially harmful
environmental toxics. Further to this, the government has made a number
of commitments with respect to the proposed ban on cosmetic uses of
pesticides, including:
*	“New legislation would also ban the cosmetic use of pesticides
in our cities and towns.”
*	“Legislation to ban the cosmetic use of pesticides to be
introduced in the spring of 2008”.
*	The ban would apply to cosmetic uses, such as “lawns, private
gardens, parks and school yards” with a focus on “small towns and
cities, not on restrictions for rural residents.”
*	“Agriculture will be exempt. Ontario farmers already have
stringent rules on the storage and application of pesticides.”
*	“Golf courses will also be exempt but we would require golf
courses to develop plans to limit the environmental impact of
pesticides.”
*	“We will also ensure that pesticides can still be used in
situations where it is warranted to ensure public health (for example,
to fight West Nile virus).”
*	“The focus of our efforts will be on outreach and education on
alternatives to pesticides on lawns. Enforcement will be a last resort.”

The government will look at other communities and jurisdictions,
including Quebec, that have implemented bans on cosmetic uses of
pesticides. Currently, the use of pesticides (including herbicides,
insecticides, fungicides, or combinations of any of these) is restricted
in a number of municipalities across Ontario.
Purpose of Policy:
The purpose of this proposal is to inform the public of the government's
policy intent to implement a ban on the cosmetic use of pesticides, and
solicit feedback from the public as the government considers policy
options relating to the following:
1. Determining the Scope of the Ban
The proposed ban would apply to cosmetic uses of pesticides, those
intended to improve the appearance of lawns, gardens, parks and school
yards. Do you have any comments on the proposed scope?
The proposed ban would allow pesticides to be used in situations where
it is warranted to help ensure public health (for example, to fight West
Nile virus). Are there other situations where the use of pesticides
should be allowed?
2. Sale of Cosmetic Pesticides
Other jurisdictions have banned the sale of pesticides used solely for
cosmetic purposes while municipalities in Ontario have regulated the use
of certain pesticides . Should the province consider banning the sale of
those pesticides used solely for cosmetic purposes?
3. Exemptions/Restrictions
It is proposed that uses of pesticides for the purposes of agriculture
and managed forests would be exempt, as they are already governed by
stringent rules on the storage and application of pesticides.
The government indicated that the focus of the ban would be on “towns
and cities, and not on restrictions on rural residents.” Do you have any
comments on this approach?
4. Exemptions for Golf Courses
It is proposed that golf courses would also be exempt, but would be
required to develop plans to limit the environmental impact of
pesticides.  Should the government consider setting out minimum
requirements for the plans developed by golf course owners/operators?
What should the requirements include?
5. Timing
The government proposes to introduce legislation in the spring of 2008,
with a phased-in implementation (e.g. 3 years).
Other Information:
In addition to proposing to introduce new legislation to ban the use of
pesticides for cosmetic uses, the government is undertaking a number of
initiatives that will be included under a toxic reduction strategy to
help protect Ontarians from potentially harmful environmental toxics.
HYPERLINK
"http://www.premier.gov.on.ca/news/Product.asp?ProductID=1771&Lang=EN"Li
nk to the Premier’s November 20, 2007 announcement
Public Consultation:
This proposal has been posted for a 30 day public review and comment
period starting January 18, 2008. If you have any questions, or would
like to submit your comments, please do so by February 17, 2008 to the
individual listed under "Contact". Additionally, you may submit your
comments on-line.
All comments received prior to February 17, 2008 will be considered as
part of the decision-making process by the Ministry of the Environment
if they are submitted in writing or electronically using the form
provided in this notice and reference EBR Registry number 010-2248.
Please Note: All comments and submissions received will become part of
the public record. You will not receive a formal response to your
comment, however, relevant comments received as part of the public
participation process for this proposal will be considered by the
decision maker for this proposal.
Contact:
All comments on this proposal must be directed to:
Robert Bilyea
Senior Policy Advisor
Ministry of the Environment
Integrated Environmental Planning Division
Strategic Policy Branch
135 St. Clair Avenue West
Floor 11
Toronto Ontario
M4V 1P5
Phone: (416) 314-5605
Fax: (416) 314-2976
To submit a comment online, go to:
HYPERLINK
"http://www.ebr.gov.on.ca/ERS-WEB-External/displaynoticecontent.do?notic
eId=MTAyNTUz&statusId=MTUzMzE3&language=en"http://www.ebr.gov.on.ca/ERS-
WEB-External/displaynoticecontent.do?noticeId=MTAyNTUz&statusId=MTUzMzE3
&language=en
and click the submit button on the right hand side.
Additional Information:
The following government offices have additional information regarding
this Proposal. To arrange a viewing of these documents please call the
Ministry Contact or the Office listed below.
Standards Development Branch
40 St. Clair Avenue West
Floor 7th
Toronto Ontario
M4V 1M2
Phone: (416) 327-5519