Ref N°: ACS2005-PGM-POL-0029

SUBJECT:

2004 YEAR-END REPORT ON CITY OF OTTAWA PESTICIDE REDUCTION STRATEGY FOR PRIVATE PROPERTY

OBJET :

rapport de fin d’année 2004 – stratégie de la ville d’ottawa concernant la réduction de l’usage des pesticides sur les propriétés privées

REPORT RECOMMENDATION

That the Health, Recreation and Social Services Committee and Council receive this report for information.

RECOMMANDATION DU RAPPORT

Que le Comité de la santé, des loisirs et des services sociaux et le Conseil prennent connaissance du présent rapport.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Assumptions and Analysis:

On December 18, 2002 Ottawa City Council adopted the Pest Management Strategy for Private Property in recognition of the impacts of pesticides on human and environmental health.  As part of the strategy, Council established three pesticide use reduction targets:  100% reduction for institutions such as schools, hospitals, daycares, and homes for the aged; 70% reduction for residential properties; and 65% for all remaining non-residential properties.  Council also established 2005 as the target achievement date and directed that if the targets were not met, “that staff be directed to prepare a by-law to be adopted by the end of 2005.”  A three- year work plan (2003 – 2005) was approved to implement the strategy.  This report is the year-end report for 2004, the second year of the strategy.

It should be noted that the strategy is aimed at reducing the use of pesticides for cosmetic purposes on lawns and gardens.  It does not impact agricultural activities.

Ottawa is but one municipality of many in Canada implementing initiatives to reduce pesticide use for cosmetic purposes.  In Canada alone, over 60 municipalities already have implemented or are in various stages of implementing pesticide use by-laws, prohibiting cosmetic use of pesticides, including Halifax, Toronto and Montreal.

To measure the City’s success at reaching its reduction targets, two random sample surveys were conducted in 2003 to establish a baseline of pesticide use data.  A final similar survey to be conducted in late Summer 2005 will establish whether or not the community has reached the target for residential pesticide use reduction established by Council.

It should be noted that the 2005 survey will reflect only residential data.  The institutional sector already appears to have achieved, or is very close to achieving its 100% reduction target.   Staff have not been able to establish credible baseline data for the non-residential (commercial/institutional) sector, nor is there an adequate method to measure reduction.  Random sampling, the method used for the residential sector, is insufficient, since one business is not representative of another. This report also outlines cooperative efforts through 2004 to encourage reduced pesticide usage and effective monitoring of usage in the golf course and lawncare industries.  Other groups targeted for education efforts and offers of service to encourage reductions in pesticide usage include residents, condominium managers, day care service providers, public sector workers, gardeners and the general public.

The pesticide reduction strategy has reached many Ottawa residents and corporations, and has effected change in a growing portion of our community.  Positive feedback from participants and the high level of community participation in accessing information from the website (6463 visitors), over the phone (175 calls), through City seminars (57 events) and through other public venues suggest that the education campaign is successful.  Growing numbers of residents and businesses are aware of the need and methods to turn to alternative pest control methods.  This program still needs, however, to reach a significant number of organizations and individuals.  Continuing to extend this reach will be a focus of the program’s 2005 efforts.

Although the pesticide reduction strategy has reached many Ottawa residents and corporations, and has effected change in a growing portion of our community, it is likely that the targets set by Council in 2002 will not be fully reached by September of 2005.  While the institutional target of 100% reduction is close to reaching its goal, anecdotal evidence indicates that the targets of 70% reduction for the residential sector, and 65% reduction for the remaining non-residential properties may not be attained in 2005.

Should the 2005 survey data show that the reduction targets established by Council have not been reached, staff will follow through on Council’s 2002 directive and bring forward pesticide use by-law options in the October 2005 report.  Consultations on by-law options would take place in late October and early November, and a report to Committee/Council would be brought forward in December for implementation by the end of 2005.

Financial Implications:

For the 2005 portion of the workplan, funding will be provided through the operating budgets of two City Branches, with $219,000 provided by Ottawa Public Health and $100,000 provided by Planning, Environment and Infrastructure Policy for a total program budget of $319,000.  These funds are already approved through the adoption of the 2005 budget, therefore this report does not have financial implications.

Public Consultation/Input:

External consultation was not required for the preparation of this report.

BACKGROUND

Purpose and content

Recognizing that pesticides can impact the health of residents, in December of 2002 City Council approved the City of Ottawa Pesticide Reduction Strategy for Private Property.  The strategy incorporated education and awareness of the dangers of pesticides to humans and the environment, and promoted the voluntary use of alternative (to pesticides) methods by the community for their lawn and garden maintenance. 

As part of the strategy, Council established three categories and related targets to be met by September 2005:

·           70% reduction in pesticide use for the residential sector;

·           100% reduction in pesticide use for institutions such as daycares, schools, hospitals and homes for the aged; and

·           65% reduction in pesticide use for the remaining non-residential sectors (commercial and industrial).

Council further directed that if those targets were not met, staff were to prepare a by-law for adoption by the end of 2005.   Recognizing that such a pesticide use by-law could not be all-encompassing, Council specified exemptions to the by-law in the areas of:

·           agriculture and forestry;

·           public and private swimming pools;

·           purifying of water for human and animal consumption;

·           lowest toxicity pesticides for protection of public health and safety;

·           infestations where a temporary pesticide application permit has been issued by the City;  

            and

·           indoor use.

In addition, Council directed that any proposed by-law would include a pesticide reduction requirement for golf courses and bowling greens, and the establishment of a list of substances deemed to be permitted pesticides.

Whether the City would be successful in reaching the targets is being measured through random sample surveys.  The initial survey in 2003 established a pesticide use base-line for residents.  A similar survey to be conducted in the late summer of 2005 will provide the comparative data to determine whether or not the targets have been achieved.

The strategy was based upon the Precautionary Principle.  Although at that time there was little empirical evidence linking pesticides and health impacts, pesticides are registered toxins (poisons) and as such it made sense to practice caution in the absence of proof, and promote the reduction and elimination of pesticides for cosmetic purposes, to help reduce the risk to human health. 

The pesticide reduction strategy for private property also has a strong foundation in the Ottawa 20/20 guiding principles related to human and environmental health, and the Environmental Strategy as it relates to air quality, protecting groundwater (quality), preserving natural habitats, promoting biodiversity and controlling bio-invasions. 

As part of the strategy’s workplan, staff is required to present annual progress reports.  The 2003 report was presented to HRSSC on March 10, 2004.  The current report discusses the program’s 2004 initiatives and results.

How did we get here?

World-wide, countries and individual communities have become aware of the potential health effects of pesticides and are in various stages of implementing pesticide reduction and elimination initiatives. 

While there is general recognition that large-scale agriculture is dependent upon pesticides to maintain their crops and ability to feed the world’s population, there is a rapidly expanding groundswell of opinion at the community level that the use of pesticides to maintain lawns and gardens is not a necessity.  This perception is supported by a growing accumulation of evidence of the potential harmful effects of the toxins contained in pesticide products.

Increasingly, physicians and medical groups are voicing their support for a phase-out of non-essential pesticides on private property. Locally, the board of the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario supports a phase-out, as do a number of CHEO physicians including Dr. Robin Walker, the president of the Canadian Paediatric Society. The Ontario College of Physicians and the Canadian and Ontario Public Health Associations, as well as seven Ottawa community health centres/organizations are raising serious concerns about the health hazards of non-essential pesticides and are also calling for a pesticide phase-out. City Staff are continuing discussions with the medical profession and will have a full report on how the medical community recommends that the City proceed; this information will be ready for the fall report to the HRSS committee following up on Council's direction in 2002.

In April 2004, the Ontario College of Family Physicians released a report Pesticide Literature Review with significant data related to the negative impacts of pesticides on human health.   The studies also showed that children were particularly vulnerable to pesticides.  With such increasing evidence of potential linkages between pesticides and human health, the medical profession in Ottawa is becoming a stronger advocate for alternative pest control methods.  

In Canada alone, over 60 municipalities have implemented by-laws prohibiting the use of pesticides on lawns and gardens.  They have done this with the conviction that the risks to human health from the cosmetic use of pesticides (to maintain lawns and gardens) are far greater than the need for perfect lawns and gardens.

In Ottawa, the former municipality of Ottawa, the former Region of Ottawa-Carleton and several other former municipalities had policies and procedures restricting the use of pesticides on their properties.  So it was a natural step for the new City to consider adopting similar initiatives.

Recognizing that community-led initiatives to control the application of pesticides in the new City of Ottawa would be a major influence to move the City in that direction, the community group Health Dangers of Urban Use of Pesticides (HDUUP- is an advisory committee to Ottawa Public Health) began a renewed public campaign in 2001 to establish a pesticide control by-law in Ottawa.  Other groups soon followed its lead.

What about City-owned property?

If the City expected the community to reduce its pesticide use, the City knew it had to lead by example in its own parks, sportsfields and other properties.  Thus in 2004 the City adopted the Corporate Pesticide Use Policy for City of Ottawa Property - 2004.  The policy applies to all City-owned outdoor property.  The policy statement includes the following:

“The purpose of this policy is to promote the optimal health of all people of Ottawa.”   

“It is the policy of the City of Ottawa that in order to reduce and minimize the risk to human and environmental health as a result of its pest control activities, chemical pesticides will not be applied to its property for cosmetic or aesthetic purposes.  The City will investigate and use alternative methods to chemical pesticides in its pest control activities on an ongoing basis.”    

What are other municipalities doing to reduce or eliminate pesticides?

As mentioned above, many Canadian municipalities have either adopted a by-law, have implemented pesticide reduction initiatives, or are considering doing one or the other, or both.

The lawncare industry had challenged municipalities’ legal rights to adopt pesticide-restricting by-laws, but on June 28, 2001, the Supreme Court of Canada issued a landmark decision in the area of municipal law in the case of Spraytech and Chemlawn v. Town of Hudson, that was favourable to the municipalities. 

The Supreme Court ruling was the impetus needed by those municipalities that had waited for clarification of their legal status in this issue, and they now moved to introduce pesticide restriction by-laws.

There are more than 60 municipalities in Canada with pesticide by-laws including Halifax, Toronto and Montreal, and many other municipalities are in various stages of considering by-law adoption. Where municipalities are addressing the reduction in cosmetic pesticide use, both those municipalities with and without by-laws have various forms of public education programs.  These programs are similar to Ottawa’s in that they all promote the use of alternative methods to maintain lawns and gardens. 

DISCUSSION

How will we measure if Ottawa has met its targets for pesticide reduction?

To measure the City’s success at reaching its reduction targets, it was necessary to establish a pesticide use baseline.  Two random sample surveys were conducted in 2003, one in Spring and a follow-up survey in Fall.  Unfortunately the data collected in the Spring survey depended too much on ‘remembered’ activity from the summer of 2002, and while it provided some basic data, it could not be used as a baseline with any significant level of confidence.  The Fall 2003 survey, however, provided more recent data, and established a clear baseline for the City to track progress against, with just over half of lawn and garden owners using chemical pesticides in 2003.  Both surveys were discussed in the 2003 Year-end report for the Pesticide Reduction Strategy.

The survey results confirmed the need for a communications campaign, both to educate “unacknowledged” users (those who used pesticides, i.e., ‘weed and feed’ type products, but did not know the ‘weed’ portion was a pesticide) about what is and what is not a chemical pesticide, and also to contribute to attitude change on the part of residents who knowingly used pesticides.  The City’s strategy of focussing on public awareness and education to bring about attitudinal and behavioural change appeared to be appropriate, including the emphasis on attempting to change citizens’ conceptions of what constitutes a “beautiful lawn.”

Another random sample survey will be conducted in late summer 2005.  The survey will establish whether or not the community has reached the target for residential use reduction established by Council in 2002.

It should be noted that the 2005 survey will focus only on the residential sector, i.e., the 70% reduction in pesticide use target.  The institutional sector, already appears to have achieved, or is very close to achieving, its 100% reduction target.  City staff has been in communications with institutional representatives throughout the past three years, and have commitments from almost all for a complete elimination of pesticide use on their properties.  The remaining few are being contacted this year as part of the strategy’s community outreach program.  The commercial/industrial sector (65% reduction) will present a problem with regard to reduction target measurement.  Staff was not able to establish a solid baseline for this sector’s pesticide use, nor is there an adequate method to measure reduction.  Random sampling, the methodology used for the residential sector, is insufficient, since one business is not representative of another.  Staff continues to liaise with sector representatives and individual corporations as part of the reduction strategy.

Based upon anecdotal evidence the targets for the residential (70%) and non-residential (65%) sectors are not expected to be achieved.

What is Ottawa doing to deliver its pesticide reduction message?

City Council approved a three-year work plan focussing on public awareness of the risks of pesticide use on lawns and gardens, and offering alternative methods for people to maintain their lawns and gardens without using pesticides.

Corporate Implementation Team:  The implementation of the pesticide reduction strategy for private property is lead by Environmental Management in partnership with: Ottawa Public Health and Client Services and Public Information.  Public Works and Services has established demonstration sites for the use of alternatives to pesticides. 

2004 was the second year for the reduction strategy, and the attached documents 1-5 provide greater details about the programs and initiatives conducted in 2004.  However, a brief summary is provided below.

Education and Awareness:  The education aspect of the public awareness strategy includes an extensive series of information pamphlets and brochures related to pesticide reduction and alternative insect and weed control methods which is used as the basis for many of the community initiatives.  All information available in printed form is also available on the City’s pesticide website.  

The contracted horticultural advisory team - horticulturalist, entomologist, turf specialist - was very active in 2004, organizing workshops and seminars, promoting alternative pest management initiatives, and meeting with landowners and managers. (Document 4 - Horticultural Support Team Annual Report 2004.)  Topics were related to alternative lawn and garden maintenance to reduce the use of pesticides and leading to non-pesticide gardens.  The emphasis was on improving the biodiversity in the garden, how to develop an ecologically sustainable garden, and options where the lawn is reduced so that it is no longer the focal point of the yard.  This year the team also conducted several organic gardening seminars for City staff, which were very well attended.

Public advertisements to promote the pesticide reduction workshops were placed in the three local daily newspapers (Citizen, LeDroit, Sun) and community newspapers.  In addition a number of news media columnists promoted the workshops, as well as the reduction strategy’s overall message to reduce pesticide use through alternative lawncare methods.   The City’s Medical Officer of Health appeared on several television programs as well as in a couple of television interstitials, to promote pesticide reduction for health reasons.

The City continues to offer pesticide reduction information on its website with over 12,000 hits in 2004, predominantly during the 2^nd and 3^rd quarters – representing the growing season.  In addition the pesticide telephone hotline recorded 175 enquiries from residents.  General questions were answered by staff and a member of the horticultural team responded to technical questions.

In 2004 staff organized 57 workshops and participated in a further 8 public events.  A new initiative was a series of 45 minute Lunch and Learn sessions held at various public and private workplaces around the city over the lunch hour.

Lawncare companies increasingly are adding non-pesticide services to their product lines and some companies have agreed to distribute City promotional material regarding alternative pest control methods.

Delayed 2003 Monitoring Data:  The 2004 year-end report includes monitoring data for two industrial sectors not available for the 2003 year-end report:  the lawncare industry (Document 2) and the golf course industry (Document 3). 

The lawncare industry has provided the City with data about the actual use of both pesticide products and the active ingredients in 2003 and 2004.  The industry’s interpretation of the data focuses on the difference between the total amount of pesticides they could use according to the product labels, and what they actually used.  Staff’s interpretation looks at the actual use in pesticides over the three-year period, consistent with Council’s direction.  Data provided by the lawncare industry shows an increase in both the amount of acreage serviced and pesticide product used in 2004, but a reduction of 14.8% in the amount of actual active ingredients as a result of using products with less active ingredient content. 

Data for pesticide use by local golf courses is included in this report in Document 3.  City staff and golf course representatives have formed a working partnership to explore pesticide reduction opportunities, to refine their pesticide use monitoring and reporting protocols, and to develop methods for general membership pesticide-related education.

Condominiums:   Reaching  the more than 570 condominium corporations in Ottawa  has proven to be more difficult than anticipated.  Almost all condominiums contract their lawncare through either a property management company or a lawncare company.  It has become apparent that while many individual owners want to see pesticide use reduced or eliminated altogether, their respective boards of directors are not easily convinced to change the lawncare service contracts to eliminate pesticides and incorporate organic methods.  Most commonly expressed is a concern regarding the property’s aesthetics.  Our City program has extended offers of help to this sector with limited take-up so far.  More work and a variety of approaches will need to be undertaken in this area in 2005.

Surface Water Testing:   Staff from Public Works and Services conducted the second annual survey (Document 5) of 40 tests at eleven selected surface water sites, to investigate the occurrence and concentration of pesticides in the surface waters within the City of Ottawa.  The 2004 sample results indicate reductions in both pesticide concentrations and frequency of detection.  In 2004 only one pesticide exceeded the Provincial Water Quality Objective (PWQO) for the protection of aquatic life - a wet weather sample on Sawmill Creek, exceeded the PWQO for diazanon.  The other pesticides (MCPP, 2,4-D, dicamba, and atrazine), that were detected were below water quality guidelines and the method detection limit (>MDL).  Results that indicate below the MDL mean that the compound is present in the sample but at a concentration lower than can be accurately measured.

What do we still need to do?

Through 2005, the pesticide reduction strategy team will focus on work needed to complete delivery on the 2002 Council direction for this program.  While the team will continue community programs to promote pesticide reduction amongst residents, it will focus a larger portion of its time and resources on large landowners/managers, and condominium corporations.  Several other areas, such as  day cares and veterinary clinics also will receive greater attention, and staff will continue to work with the lawncare companies and golf courses on the pesticide use reduction, monitoring and reporting issues.

A major new initiative in 2005 is a joint communications strategy to the public. The joint campaign is called Healthy Lawns Trees and Gardens – Naturally, and provides shared messaging about healthy lawn maintenance tips - including watering,  outdoor water conservation, tree watering and alternatives to pesticides.  In addition, the pesticide reduction portion of the campaign also captures the health benefits to residents and the environment from reduced pesticide use.

One significant benefit of the joint campaign in 2005 will be easier access to the pesticide information on the City’s website.  As part of the Healthy Lawns, Trees and Gardens –Naturally campaign, users will now be able to access pesticide-related information directly via the campaign’s icon on the City’s home page.

Next steps

2005 is the third and final year of the timeframe established by City Council to meet the pesticide reduction targets.  The strategy calls for a comparison survey to measure 2005 results against the 2003 baseline data, which will determine if the targets have in fact been met.  The 2005 survey will take place at the end of August and early September, and a report will be brought to Committee/Council with the results.  Should the data show that the 2005 pesticide use reduction targets established by City Council in 2002 have not been reached, staff will follow through on Council’s 2002 directive and include within this report pesticide-use by-law options for consideration.

Consultations on by-law options would take place in late October and early November, and a report to Committee/Council would be brought forward in December for implementation by the end of 2005.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS

The objective of this program is to reduce the cosmetic use of pesticides within our community.  Education and awareness efforts conducted through this program are contributing to reduced pesticide use and in turn will accomplish positive health effects for both our residents and our environment.

CONSULTATION

External consultation was not required for the preparation of this report.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

For the 2005 portion of the workplan, funding will be provided through the operating budgets of two City Branches, with $219,000 provided by Ottawa Public Health and $100,000 provided by Planning, Environment and Infrastructure Policy for a total program budget of $319,000.  These funds are already approved through the adoption of the 2005 budget, therefore this report does not have financial implications.

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION

Document 1      2004 Year-end Report City of Ottawa Pesticide Reduction Strategy on Private Property.

Document 2      2003 and 2004 Pesticide Usage – Lawncare Companies Ottawa.

Document 3      Golf course Survey Data 2003.

Document 4      Horticultural Support Team Annual Report 2004.

Document 5      Surface Water Pesticides Testing Results 2004.

 

DOCUMENT 1

2004 YEAR-END REPORT CITY OF OTTAWA

PESTICIDE REDUCTION STRATEGY ON PRIVATE PROPERTY

City of Ottawa

Pesticide Reduction Strategy

For Private Property

2004 Year End Report

May 5, 2005

 2004 YEAR END REPORT

ON THE PESTICIDE REDUCTION STRATEGY

FOR PRIVATE PROPERTY IN THE CITY OF OTTAWA

Overall Mission:  To implement the Pesticide Reduction on Private Property Strategy approved by City Council December 2002, and the Workplan approved by City Council May 2003 to meet the pesticide use reduction targets by the end of 2005.

INTRODUCTION

This is the second annual year-end report in a three-year (2003-2005) pesticide reduction strategy for private property in the City of Ottawa, approved by City Council in December 2002.

2004 was an in-between year for the reduction strategy.  The continued focus was on public awareness, with an increasing emphasis on the health risks associated with pesticides, and the health and environmental benefits of reducing or even eliminating the cosmetic use of pesticides in lawns and gardens. 

It should be noted that the City’s Pesticide Reduction Strategy is aimed at non-agricultural private property. 

There is general recognition that large-scale agriculture is dependent upon pesticides to maintain their crops and ability to feed the world’s population.  Ottawa City Council also recognizes that local commercial agriculture has the same need. 

Council adopted the City of Ottawa Pesticide Reduction Strategy for private property on December 18, 2002 in recognition of the health and environmental impacts of pesticides.  The strategy’s approach included a three-year program that would commence in 2003 to encourage a voluntary reduction in the non-essential use of chemical pesticides with specific reduction targets to be met by the end of September 2005. The targets established by City Council are:

·        100% reduction for institutions such as schools, hospitals, homes for the aged and                                                                                    daycares;

• 70% reduction for residential; and
• 65% reduction for all remaining non-residential. 

Should these targets not be met, Council directed staff to prepare a by-law for adoption by the end of 2005.  Council also listed the principles to be incorporated in such a by-law.  These include:

Exemptions:

i.                     agriculture and forestry

ii.                   public and private swimming pools

iii.                  purifying of water for human and animal consumption

iv.                 lowest toxicity pesticides for the protection of public health and safety

v.                   infestations where a temporary pesticide application permit has been issued by the city

vi.                 indoor use

A pesticide reduction requirement for golf courses and bowling greens; and

A list of substances deemed to be permitted pesticides.

The Planning and Growth Management Department (Environmental Management) leads the strategy, in partnership with: Ottawa Public Health, (Community and Protective Services), to address the potential human health impacts of pesticides; Client Services and Public Information (Corporate Services) for the communications and awareness aspects of the program; Public Works and Services for their expertise in turf and pest management, water quality monitoring, and for establishing demonstration sites for the use of alternatives to pesticides; and Real Property and Asset Management (Corporate Services) for their expertise in (re)developing parks and sportsfields.  Project funding comes is provided through operating budgets in Planning, Environment and Infrastructure Policy and Ottawa Public Health, with the Public Health component matched by funds from the provincial Ministry of Health. 

The project team developed a long-term work plan in 2003 including the requirement for annual year-end reports.  The present report is the 2004 year-end report, outlining the initiatives, successes and challenges of 2004.

RELATED CITY POLICIES

The Pesticide reduction strategy for private property supports and is supported by initiatives in several other Ottawa sustainability commitments.  Examples would be within the overall Ottawa 20/20 Growth Management Strategy’s guiding principles related to human and environmental health, and the Environmental Strategy as it relates to air quality, protecting groundwater (quality), preserving natural habitats, promoting biodiversity and controlling bio-invasions.  All of these environmental areas can be impacted by pesticides; the challenge is to minimize and eliminate those exposures wherever possible. 

Ottawa’s Air Quality and Climate Change Management Plan, a supporting plan to the Environmental Strategy, was adopted by City Council in January 2005.  This plan notes the link between pesticide use and air quality because application often leads to aerial dispersion of the applied compounds beyond where they were meant to go.  Although not yet definitive, human and ecosystem health effects continue to be increasingly linked to exposure to chemical pesticides. 

If the City expected the community to reduce its pesticide use, it knew it had to lead by example in its own parks, sportsfields and other properties.  Thus in 2004 the City adopted the Corporate Pesticide Use Policy for City of Ottawa Property - 2004.  The policy applies to all City-owned and operated outdoor property.   The policy clearly states that pesticides will not be used for cosmetic purposes on city-owned outdoor property.  While the policy does permit exceptions, the exceptions relate strictly to human and environmental health emergencies, and specific procedures are included to deal with such situations.    The policy statement includes the following:

“The purpose of this policy is to promote the optimal health of all people of Ottawa.”   

“It is the policy of the City of Ottawa that in order to reduce and minimize the risk to human and environmental health as a result of its pest control activities, chemical pesticides will not be applied to its property for cosmetic or aesthetic purposes.  The City will investigate and use alternative methods to chemical pesticides in its pest control activities on an ongoing basis.”    

2004 PRIORITIES

While specific details about activities conducted in 2004 are contained elsewhere in this report, several of the key initiatives include:

• working with the commercial/industrial sector (65% reduction target) and the condominium sector (70% reduction target), to demonstrate the long-term benefits of a more natural turf maintenance program, and thus reducing their use of pesticides;
• continuing the workshops for specialized information on alternatives to pesticides in private property maintenance;
• continuing the public education and information campaign including bus ads, website based information material, and the pesticide hotline; and
• continuing the surface water testing program.  

As well, 2004 featured a new initiative  -  the television interstitials featuring the Medical Officer of Health promoting pesticide-free lawn and garden care methods. 

REDUCTION TARGETS MONITORING

Within the residential sector, target achievement will be measured by a public opinion survey for a representative segment of the population.  The pesticide usage baseline was established by the 2003 survey conducted by DECIMA.  The results were reported in the 2003 annual report.  There were no monitoring surveys conducted in 2004.

Another random sample survey will be conducted in late summer 2005.  The survey will establish whether or not the community has reached the target for residential use reduction established by Council in 2002.     

It should be noted that the 2005 survey will only focus on the residential sector, i.e. the 70% reduction in pesticide use target.  Determining whether the other two target sectors have achieved their targets will take other forms.  The institutional sector, already appears to have achieved, or is very close to achieving its 100% reduction targets.  City staff has been in communications with institutional representatives throughout the past three years, and have a commitments from almost all for a complete elimination of pesticide use on their properties.  The remaining few are being contacted this year as part of the Strategy’s community outreach program.  The commercial/industrial sector (65% reduction) will present a problem with regard to reduction target measurement.  Staff were not able to establish a solid baseline for this sector’s pesticide use, nor is there an adequate method to measure reduction.  Random sampling, the methodology used for the residential sector, is insufficient, since one business is not representative of another.  Staff continues to liaise with sector representatives and individual corporations as part of the reduction strategy.

The awareness of the dangers of pesticide use for cosmetic purposes has increased in the community over the past two years, and it appears from anecdotal evidence that more people are either reducing or eliminating entirely their use of pesticides since the reduction strategy was started in 2003.  However, while we do not wish to preclude the results of the pending formal survey, it also is becoming apparent, based upon the same anecdotal evidence, that the targets for the residential (65%) and non-residential (70%) sectors may not be achieved in 2005. 

A 2004 Canadian study (Canadian Centre for Pollution Prevention [C2P2] and Culbridge Marketing, March 24, 2004) found that only those communities that passed a by-law and supported it with education were successful in reducing the use of pesticides by a high degree (51-90%).  Education and outreach programs without an accompanying by-law appear to be far less effective.  None of those achieved more than a low reduction  (10-24%) in pesticide use.

INCREASING EVIDENCE OF HEALTH IMPACTS OF PESTICIDE USE

Increasingly, physicians and medical groups are voicing their support for a phase-out of non-essential pesticides on private property.  Locally, the board of the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario supports a phase-out, as do a number of CHEO physicians including Dr. Robin Walker, the president of the Canadian Paediatric Society.  The Ontario College of Physicians and the Canadian and Ontario Public Health Associations, as well as seven Ottawa community health centres/organizations are raising serious concerns about the health hazards of non-essential pesticides and are also calling for a pesticide phase-out. City Staff are continuing discussions with the medical profession and will have a full report on how the medical community recommends that the City proceed; this information will be ready for the fall report to the HRSS committee following up on Council's direction in 2002.

In April 2004, the Ontario College of Family Physicians released a report Pesticide Literature Review with disturbing data related to the negative impacts of pesticides on human health.  In their comprehensive review of both cancer and non-cancer studies they began to see a linkage between pesticides and serious harmful effects in several areas including cancer, reproductive effects and impacts on the nervous system.  The studies also showed that children were particularly vulnerable to pesticides.  These findings add a sense of urgency to the City’s commitment to reduce the use of pesticides wherever possible.

SECTORAL FOLLOW-UP FROM 2003

There were two industrial sectors whose pesticide use monitoring data were not represented in the 2003 year-end report:  the golf course industry; and the lawn care industry.  Staff received the 2003 data too late to include it in that year’s report, therefore the 2003 data for both sectors are provided here, along with lawn care industry data for 2004.  Considerable negotiating took place for the City to have access to the two industries’ data.  All parties agreed to present the data in aggregate form, as collected by a neutral third party.  This was acceptable from the City’s perspective in that we are interested in total usage figures that can be compared to the Council established reduction targets.

Lawn care industry data (Ref. Document 2)

To allay concerns of local lawn care companies that data reporting could identify individual companies and their market share, staff agreed that the Ontario Integrated Plant Management/Plant Health Care Accreditation Program through Landscape Ontario, would be the arms-length third party responsible for collecting and aggregating the data.

The lawn care industry has provided the City with data about the actual use of both pesticide products and the active ingredients in 2003 and 2004.  The 2003 data submitted by the industry represented the six major lawn care companies that (according to the local industry representatives) account for the majority of commercial lawn care activities in Ottawa.  The 2004 pesticide use data represents seven companies.  Industry representatives have indicated that those seven companies account for approximately 50,000 clients.

The industry’s interpretation of the data focuses on the difference between the total amount of pesticides they could use according to the product labels, and what they actually used.  Staff’s interpretation looks at the actual use in pesticides over the two year period, consistent with Council’s direction.  Data provided by the lawn care industry and shown in the chart below demonstrates the industry’s overall pesticide usage for 2003 and 2004.  Although in 2004, 8.6% more acreage was covered by 41.5% more total product, the total active ingredient applied is down by 14.8%.  As of the writing of this report, the lawn care industry had not yet submitted their data to their auditors.  Consequently, staff cannot verify data accuracy.  A more detailed breakdown of the 2004 data is found in Document 2.

Summary of Lawn care industry pesticide application on turf in Ottawa - 2003 and 2004
	2003	2004	Percent +/-
Acres	3,926	*4,264	+8.6%
Units of 100 sq. m.	158,000	*172,600	+8.7%
Total product used (Kg or L)	29,921	*42,324	+41.5%
Total active ingredients applied (gm)	5,086,049	*4,333,580	*-14.8%

* not yet verified by auditors

In 2004 several lawn care companies helped to promote the City’s pesticide reduction strategy by making the City’s pesticide reduction and alternatives literature available to their customers.  In addition, a number of the companies have added an organic lawn care component to their product line, to offer customers a wider range of lawn care options, including non-pesticide care.

Golf Courses (Ref. Document 3)

DECIMA was the agreed-upon arm’s length third party for collecting and analysing the golf course data.

Most courses reported having more than one soil type – requiring different pest control protocols.  Eleven (11) reported mostly clay, seven (7) sandy loam, and six (6) sand.  Three (3) courses have other types of soil in addition to the ones already mentioned.

The survey firm, DECIMA, indicated some difficulty with trying to analyse the data on a quantitative basis.  This was due to the form in which the pesticide usage was reported.  Since the usage was reported in litres and kilograms of product, there was no accurate measure of the active ingredient, which did the actual control work.   Golf course representatives have agreed to meet with City staff to develop a more accurate monitoring and reporting protocol for 2005.

That said, there does not appear to be a significant reduction in pesticide use over the past ten years.  One of the respondents noted that  prior to the last ten years, pest management control protocols had vastly improved over the previous thirty-five years, resulting in a significant reduction in the amount of pesticides used on the courses. Golf course representatives will seek further information to substantiate this observation. Respondents also noted that additional factors affecting the amount of pesticide use include annual weather conditions and the severity of pest infestations, both of which tend to be cyclical in nature.

There was no definite trend in the amount of pesticides used by the responding group.  Ten (10) courses reported changes in turf maintenance standards since 1993.  Six (6) reported no significant change in pesticide use, three (3) reported a decrease in use, and one (1) reported an increase as a result of the standard changes.  One respondent noted that standards and expectations have increased but the products have also changed.  With the active ingredients in new products being more efficient, less product is needed to achieve the same result.  Moreover, more precise applications with new equipment permits more effective product use. 

City staff and Ottawa Golf Course representatives have formed a working partnership to explore further pesticide reduction opportunities.  Work will be undertaken with the golf courses to increase both participation in the pesticide reduction program (membership information, education, and awareness), and to more accurately measure and report the use of pesticides.   It is encouraging that golf courses in Ottawa are becoming more involved in the City’s pesticide reduction strategy. 

In 2004 the Ottawa area Golf Course Superintendents Association decided to adopt the Ontario Golf Superintendents IPM/PHC Council Accreditation Program. This program will accredit/ recognize superintendents and their facilities that demonstrate a commitment to an Integrated Pest Management and Plant Health Care program.  Accreditation is achieved through a process of education and a formal examination, ongoing professional development, evaluation and a demonstrated commitment to IPM.  Evaluation is through a process that audits operations records and onsite operations procedures and equipment verification by independent third party Certified Environmental Auditors.  The program is administered by Ridgetown College and governed by the PHC/IPM Council of Canada, which is made up of industry associations and government regulators and advisors.  The association has determined that all Ottawa superintendents must be accredited by March 2005.

OTHER MUNICIPALITIES

In Canada alone, over 60 municipalities have implemented by-laws prohibiting the use of pesticides on lawns and gardens.  They have done this with the conviction that the risk to human health from the cosmetic use of pesticides (to maintain lawns and gardens) are greater than the need for perfect lawns and gardens. 

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Condominiums

There are as many as 570+ condominium corporations in Ottawa and reaching out to them has proven to be more difficult than anticipated.  Each condominium is governed by a volunteer board of directors, which is elected from that condominium’s membership.  Their interest lies in ensuring the viability of the property at the least expensive price.  Many believe that applying pesticides is critical to maintaining the aesthetic assets of the property and appear to be uncomfortable with considering alternative lawncare methods.  Almost all condominium lawncare is contracted through either a property management company or a lawncare company on a contract service basis.  It is believed to be easier for the contractors to apply regular doses of pesticide to the turf than it is to use potentially more labour intensive alternative management methods.  In addition, pesticide use is often cheaper to the consumer, from a short-term service perspective.  Promises of initial higher costs of organic care leading to potential reduced maintenance costs down the road, are not comforting to board members who are elected partially on their ability to keep condominium fees as low as possible.  Their reluctance to change can be measured by the result of the condominium workshop arranged for October 2004.  A total of 570 invitations and notices of the workshop were sent directly to the condominium corporations.  Only 16 individuals registered and of those only 10 attended.  One of them was a property manager who already used exclusively organic methods on his properties.

In our other discussions with condominium owners, it has become apparent that while many individual owners want to see pesticide use reduced or eliminated altogether, their respective boards of directors are not easily convinced to change the lawncare service contracts to eliminate pesticides and incorporate organic methods.  A more direct approach may be more effective, but it will certainly be much more labour intensive to contact boards separately.  In some cases, property management companies may service one or more properties.  This will make the job of dealing with those boards somewhat easier, providing the property managers can be convinced of the benefits of a no pesticide management approach.

To address that issue, the Horticultural Advisory Team has initiated a database dealing with turf management costs at condominiums.  It is hoped that the cost effectiveness information generated by this data will be a positive tool in helping convince condominium boards – and others - about the advantages of alternative (to pesticides) turf management practices.

While the health danger of pesticide issue has always been a staple of the strategy’s message, it was brought much more to the forefront this year by the Medical Officer of Health’s participation in some of the promotional initiatives as well as at the October seminar aimed at condominium owners and managers.

Although there were significant overtures extended to the entire condominium sector, responses have been muted.  More work will need to be done in this area, as described above.

Residential Sector

In 2004 the community outreach program continued to present alternative pest management information to the public.  It also promoted awareness among the public about both the impacts and potential dangers of pesticides to human health and the environment, and to offer alternatives to pesticides for people to consider when taking care of their lawns and gardens. 

The 2004 program built on and enhanced the 2002 and 2003 initiatives. Again this year, the program’s initiatives focussed on a strong awareness campaign, subject-specific seminars and workshops.  Updates were also made to the website and printed information.

Supporting data for residential initiatives is found in the section below titled “Overview of 2004 Community Outreach and Monitoring Activities.”

For the first time in the public outreach campaign, 2004 saw the introduction of television interstitials.  An interstitial is advertising space sold to promote community services and non-profit messaging.  It is more clearly defined as a paid public service announcement (PSA), but significantly cheaper than regular ad space on TV and other media. Interstitials were seen by many more residents than would have seen/read the advertising in the newspapers. 

Pilot project – commercial property

2004 also saw the implementation of a pilot project in commercial property pest reduction.   The Kanata Research Park (KRP) volunteered to implement a pesticide reduction protocol on part of their property.  Staff met with KRP property management staff and developed a reduction strategy for 2004.  It was understood that such a strategy would take about three (3) years to complete, since turf requires a change-over period to acclimatize itself to the elimination of pesticides and develop sufficient ecological resources to deal with the invasive pests. The methodology involves reducing the total pesticide load by one third in each of three consecutive years.  At the same time, however, the full alternative program of aeration, dethatching, topdressing, overseeding, fertilization, and watering would take effect immediately.  As expected, the quality of turf on the test site deteriorated some in 2004.  However, given the alternative pest management protocols implemented, and a continued commitment to alternative turf management principles (integrated turf management – ITM) a recovery should take place over the next two years. 

It is this initial deterioration in turf quality that concerns property managers.  The aesthetics of their turf is a major product asset to maintain existing and attract potential clients.  Thus poor turf is considered an asset liability.  Hopefully, this pilot project will allow for the development of an acceptable change-over methodology as well as demonstrate the efficacy of alternative turf management methods.

Horticulture report (Ref. Document 4)

The horticultural advisory team - horticulturalist, entomologist, turf specialist - were very active this year.  They conducted many community workshops on a range of topics related to alternative lawn and garden maintenance to reduce the use of pesticides leading to non-pesticide gardens.  The emphasis was on improving the biodiversity in the garden, how to develop an ecologically sustainable garden, and options where the lawn is reduced so that it is no longer the focal point of the garden.  This year the team also conducted several organic gardening seminars for city staff, as well as  a “Lunch and Learn” series at private and public workplaces, which were very well attended. The team also initiated a database that will include the cultural practices and costs for many private and public properties that are maintained with and without pesticides.  This will eventually be a valuable tool in convincing larger property owners (commercial/condominiums) of the economics of reducing pesticides and improving the ecosystems in their turf properties.  The horticultural team also responded to the technical questions received on the pesticide telephone hotline, and carried out several site evaluation visits on city property and well as some residential sites.

Surface water testing program (Ref. Document 5)  

In 2003, a two-year pesticide monitoring study was initiated to investigate the occurrence and concentration of pesticides in the surface waters within the City of Ottawa.  Surface water samples were collected and tested for nutrients, herbicides, insecticides, and other pesticides commonly associated with lawn care. 

In 2004, a total of 40 samples were collected from eleven sites between May and October during base (dry weather) flow and precipitation (wet weather) events, for analysis of nutrients and 10 target pesticides. 

The pesticides carbofuran, cypermethrin, d-ethyl atrazine, metolachor and metribuzin were not detected (ND) in any of the samples collected.  Pesticides that were detected were below available water quality guidelines or the method detection limit (MDL).  Results below the method detection limit (<MDL) indicate the compound is present in the sample but at a concentration lower than can be accurately measured.  Both 2003 and 2004 surface water samples contained detectable concentrations of 2,4-D, MCPP, Dicamba and Diazanon.  The agricultural pesticide Atrazine, not detected in 2003, was found at two sample locations in 2004, although it was at less than the Method Detection Limit. 

In 2004 the provincial water quality objective for diazanon was exceeded on one occasion, down from four in 2003.  This may be attributable to Health Canada’s ban on the commercial sale of diazanon.

Overall, pesticide concentrations and the frequency of pesticides being detected decreased in 2004.  Diazanon concentrations were lower, and there were fewer PWQO exceedences.   Whether this trend will continue or is simply reflective of the time of sampling, rainfall or an actual decrease in pesticide use can only be verified through follow-up sampling in future years.  In addition to monitoring, consideration should also be given to preventative components such as local outreach programs to promote management practices that reduce pesticide runoff in both urban and rural communities.

If funding can be found, it will be advantageous to conduct similar surveys in 2005 and beyond, to establish long-term trends and record for the presence of pesticides in local surface waters.

Pesticide reduction grant program

The pesticide reduction grant program supports community initiatives and programs aimed at reducing the use of pesticides on private property.  This year’s grants went to support a lawn sign program promoting non-pesticide garden maintenance, an alternatives to pesticides component for a medical conference for local physicians, and a pesticide information component for a local folk festival.  The total grant support in 2004 was for $ 22,117.00.

Overview of 2004 Community Outreach & Monitoring Activities

The following provides a list of community outreach activities conducted through 2004 for the pesticide reduction strategy.

Communications:

• Public Service Announcement (PSA) for May long weekend
• PSA for May gardening seminars
• PSA and backgrounder for June seminars

-         key messaging in PSA for Water efficiency and for hazardous material depots

• Article in “City Briefs” for staff to encourage delivery of unwanted/unused pesticides to the City’s Hazardous Waste depot

Website hits 

The city’s website carries detailed information pages concerning pesticides and pesticide reduction opportunities.  In addition to garden and ornamental pest management alternatives, it also promoted the various workshops and seminars offered by the City as part of the strategy, and provides links to other pest management related websites.  This website is quite popular and in 2004 there were a total of 12,120 visits by 6463 visitors to the pesticide page on the City’s website.  The majority of the hits came during the 2^nd and 3^rd quarters, which coincides with the planning and planting phases of garden maintenance and a period during which the majority of pesticides would have been used.  Hopefully this is an indicator of homeowners using the information to control pests using the alternative pest control measures found on the web page.

Website Hits to Pesticide Page in 2004
	Q1 Jan/Mar	Q2 Apr/June	Q3 July/Sep	Q4 Oct/Dec	Total
Visitors	896	2726	1881	931	6434
Visits	1841	4825	3510	1944	12120
English	71	71	77	58
French	28	28	22	41
Other	1	1	1	1

Telephone hotline enquiries  

• The Hot-line has logged 597 calls since its inception with 175 calls received in 2004.
• 95 callers requested and received Pesticides Information Kits.

Daycare survey 

There were 277 childcare facilities in Ottawa in 2004.  They include full day programs, part day programs (e.g. after school) and seasonal programs (i.e. summer camps).  A survey was sent to all programs in order to determine the status of our goal of 100% of all daycare facilities not using pesticides on their outside property.

Of the 277 surveys sent, 149 were returned completed (54%).  Of these 73% had a grassed play area. Also, 73% (not necessarily the same respondents) had other or additional grassed areas such as parking lots, front lawns, side yards, etc.  Four per cent (6 respondents) of the respondents indicated they used pesticides in 2003 and two percent (3 respondents) indicated that they intended to do so in 2004.  Their reasons for using pesticides were for grub control, dandelions and insect control.

A variety of arrangements for lawn maintenance were used by the daycares:

• 17% did their own maintenance
• 30% had the maintenance done by the building owner
•  9% used a property management firm
• 22% used school board property
• 12% had other arrangements such as volunteer parents carry out the maintenance
• 10% N/A

Staff will focus education and awareness efforts on those daycares that both used and indicated they will continue to use, pesticides.  In addition, staff will contact those daycares that did not participate in the survey.

Hospitals

• Ottawa Hospital – all campuses, do not use pesticides
• Queensway Carleton Hospital does not use pesticides
• Elizabeth Bruyere/St Vincent Hospital does not use pesticides
• Montfort Hospital does not use pesticides

Boards of education 

Ottawa-Carleton District Board of Education

• did not use pesticides in 2004

Ottawa-Carleton Catholic School Board

• did not use pesticides
• applied organic turf maintenance practices

Conseil des écoles publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario

•  Confirmation pending

Conseil des écoles catholiques de langue français du Centre-Est

•  Confirmation pending

News media advertising

Seminars and workshops were advertised in all three major daily newspapers and seven community newspapers.

Transit advertising for June - August:

OC Transpo displayed 50 exterior and 725 interior advertisements.

Additional promotion:

Seminar and workshop information as well as alternative lawn care techniques were listed and mentioned in several local magazines, and news columns.

Media Appearances:

Dr. Cushman appeared on several Rogers TV shows, and he was featured in a series of television advertisements.  Contract horticulturalist and entomologist appeared on local radio shows, and several features on local television stations to offer expert advice.

Community events:

·        May:                              8 Seminars     303 attendance

·        June:                             13 Seminars     146 attendance

·        July/August:                    6 Seminars     201 attendance

·        September / October:  16 Seminars      244 attendance

·        Lunch and Learns:        10 Events         233 attendance

·        Out and about:                4 Seminars     155 attendance

·        8 Display events with general circulation

-----------------------------------------------------  

LOOKING AHEAD TO 2005

Through 2005, the pesticide reduction strategy team will focus on work needed to complete delivery on the 2002 Council direction for this program.  While the team will continue community programs to promote pesticide reduction amongst residents, it will focus a larger portion of its time and resources on large landowners/managers, and condominium corporations.  Several other areas, such as  day cares and veterinary clinics also will receive greater attention, and staff will continue to work with the lawncare companies and golf courses on the pesticide use reduction, monitoring and reporting issues.

A major new initiative in 2005 is a joint communications strategy to the public. The joint campaign is called Healthy Lawns Trees and Gardens – Naturally, and provides shared messaging about healthy lawn maintenance tips - including watering,  outdoor water conservation, tree watering and alternatives to pesticides.  In addition, the pesticide reduction portion of the campaign also captures the health benefits to residents and the environment from reduced pesticide use.

One significant benefit of the joint campaign in 2005 will be easier access to the pesticide information on the City’s website.  As part of the Healthy Lawns, Trees and Gardens –Naturally campaign, users will now be able to access pesticide-related information directly via the campaign’s icon on the City’s home page.

2005 is the third and final year of the timeframe established by City Council to meet the pesticide reduction targets.  The strategy calls for a comparison survey to measure 2005 results against the 2003 baseline data, which will determine if the targets have in fact been met.  The 2005 survey will take place at the end of August and early September, and a report will be brought to Committee/Council with the results.  Should the data show that the 2005 pesticide use reduction targets established by City Council in 2002 have not been reached, staff will follow through on Council’s 2002 directive and include within this report pesticide use by-law options for consideration.

Consultations on by-law options would take place in late October and early November, and a report to Committee/Council would be brought forward in December for implementation by the end of 2005.

COMMENTS/CONCLUSION

Although the pesticide reduction strategy has reached many Ottawa residents and corporations, and has effected change in a growing portion of our community, it remains possible that the targets set by City Council back in 2002, will not be fully reached by September of 2005.  Only the institutional sector is close to reaching its goal of 100% reduction.  Anecdotal evidence indicates that the targets of 70% reduction for the residential sector and 65% reduction for all remaining non-residential properties may not be attained in 2005. 

Many more property owners/managers and lawncare providers will need to implement alternative pest control strategies and services to make the targets a reality. The final survey to be conducted in 2005 will provide the definitive data.

The education aspect of the public awareness strategy has been a success.  Growing numbers of residents and businesses are aware of the need and methods to turn to alternative pest control methods.  The strategy’s community outreach program continues to generate requests for workshops, meetings and information.  Awareness of the potential for health impacts from the use of pesticides has grown significantly in Ottawa, as has the realization that a healthy lawn needs to be ecologically sound.  Lawncare companies increasingly are adding non-pesticide services to their product lines, and medical professionals are becoming stronger advocates for alternative pest control methods.  There appears to be growing acceptance and momentum towards adopting non-pesticide use methods in the care of our community’s lawns and gardens.

-------------------------------

2003 AND 2004 PESTICIDE USAGE –

LAWNCARE COMPANIES OTTAWA                                                                                                                            DOCUMENT 2

2003 Lawncare Companies Pesticide Use in Ottawa
Pesticide Record/Area Treated
Total Area For Reporting Period in Hectares (One Hectare = 2.4710 Acres)
To convert acres to hectares and 100 sq. m.: enter the total number of acres in the yellow box below:
	Acres		3,926
	Hectares		1,588
	Units of 100 sq. m		158,800
		158,800	100 sq. m.
Product	*Regulated A.I. Permitted	**Total Product Used	A.I Used	A.I. Permitted using Federal A.I. Limit	% Reduction From Federal A.I. Limit	Ottawa 3 year Target % Reduction	% Achievement of Ottawa's 3 year Target
	(gram/100 sq. m.)
		(KG or L)	(grams)	(grams)	%	(%)	(%)
Broadleaf weed control (1)	40.56	10,183	3,136,364	6,440,928	51.31	70.0	73.3
Pre-emergent Crabgrass control (2)	10.80	123	14,760	1,715,040	99.14	70.0	100.0
Post-emergent Crabgrass control (3)	1.84	2	121	292,192	99.96	70.0	100.0
Surface Insect control (4)	97.00	3,221	1,158,850	15,403,600	92.48	70.0	100.0
Grub control (5)	273.35	16,392	775,954	43,407,980	98.21	70.0	100.0
Total	423.55	29,921	5,086,049	67,259,740	92.44	70.0	100.0
* Active Ingredient (A.I.) as regulated by the Federal Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA)
**Total of all reporting firms for products listed
Products for turf applications only are tabulated
(1) Broadleaf weed control products (PCP #) are Par III (19810), Killex 500 (16971), S. Killex (20981), Tri-Kill (19400), Trillion (18963)
(2) Pre-emergent Crabgrass control product (PCP #) is Dimension (23003)
(3) Post-emergent Crabgrass control products (PCP #) are Acclaim Super EC (22886), Acclaim Super EW (21925)
(4) Surface Insect control products (PCP #) are Dzn 600 EW (26146), Diazinon 5G (25437), Diazinon 500 E (11889), Sevin T & O (26873)
(5) Grub Control products (PCP #) are Merit 75 WP (25932), Merit 0.5 G (25933), Sevin T & O (26873)

Jan 5, 2005

To: Onno Gaanderse

From: Ken Pavely

Attached are the aggregate totals for 2004 pesticide use based on submissions from the participating firms. Due to a merger, an additional firm participated in the process this year. The changes in usage are highlighted as follows:

• Acreage is up 8.6% from 2003, due to customer base acquisition with the various companies.

• Overall usage of active ingredient is down 15%.

• Even with the increased serviced acres, weed control active ingredient is down 8%. This puts the firms at the 84% level in reaching the weed control target reduction. The increased precipitation throughout the growing season was not only good for the grass, but good for weeds as well.  This put additional pressure on companies to provide satisfactory lawn results for their customers.

• Surface insect control usage was down 10%.

• Grub control, using less curative product resulted in a 52% drop on active ingredient usage.

• Individual reports used to tabulate this report, will be forwarded to auditors shortly, as per the requirements for the annual desk review.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Ken Pavely, on behalf of the IPM/PHC Council of Canada

2004 Lawncare Companies Pesticide Use Ottawa
Pesticide Record/Area Treated
Total Area For Reporting Period in Hectares (One Hectare = 2.4710 Acres)
To convert acres to hectares and 100 sq. m.: enter the total number of acres in the yellow box below:
	Acres		4,264
	Hectares		1,726
	Units of 100 sq. m		172,600
		172,600	100 sq. m.
Product	*Regulated A.I. Permitted	**Total Product Used	A.I Used	A.I. Permitted using Federal A.I. Limit	% Reduction From Federal A.I. Limit	Ottawa 3 year Target % Reduction	% Achievement of Ottawa's 3 year Target
	(gram/100 sq. m.)
		(KG or L)	(grams)	(grams)	%	(%)	(%)
Broadleaf weed control (1)	40.56	9,365	2,884,420	7,000,656	58.80	70.0	84.0
Pre-emergent Crabgrass control (2)	10.80	219	26,280	1,864,080	98.59	70.0	100.0
Post-emergent Crabgrass control (3)	1.84	3	242	317,584	99.92	70.0	100.0
Surface Insect control (4)	97.00	4,403	1,054,500	16,742,200	93.70	70.0	100.0
Grub control (5)	273.35	27,935	368,138	36,521,000	98.99	70.0	100.0
Total	423.55	42,324	4,333,580	73,104,730	94.07	70.0	100.0
* Active Ingredient (A.I.) as regulated by the Federal Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA)
**Total of all reporting firms for products listed
Products for turf applications only are tabulated
(1) Broadleaf weed control products (PCP #) are Par III (19810), Killex 500 (16971), S. Killex (20981), Tri-Kill (19400), Trillion (18963)
(2) Pre-emergent Crabgrass control product (PCP #) is Dimension (23003)
(3) Post-emergent Crabgrass control products (PCP #) are Acclaim Super EC (22886), Acclaim Super EW (21925)
(4) Surface Insect control products (PCP #) are Dzn 600 EW (26146), Diazinon 5G (25437), Diazinon 500 E (11889), Sevin T & O (26873)
(5) Grub Control products (PCP #) are Merit 75 WP (25932), Merit 0.5 G (25933), Sevin T & O (26873)

GOLF COURSE SURVEY DATA 2003                                                                 DOCUMENT 3

Pesticide Use on Golf Courses

2003 Survey

Draft

Final Report

City of Ottawa

May 2004

        

 

     Toronto                       Ottawa                      Montreal

     2345 Yonge Street               160 Elgin Street                 630 Sherbrooke Street West

   Suite 405                                Suite 1820                          Suite 1101

   Toronto, ON                           Ottawa, ON                      Montreal, QC  

   M4P 2E5                                 K2P 2P7                            H3A 1E4

   (416) 962-2013                     (613) 230-2013                                  (514) 288-0037

 

Table of Contents

Introduction and Methodology...................................................................................... 1

Detailed Analysis

     Golf Courses Profile............................................................................................................ 2

      Pesticide Use...................................................................................................................... 3

 

Appendix: Survey Questionnaire

Introduction and Methodology

Based on concerns about the potential hazards to public health and the environment, the City of Ottawa has adopted a pesticide reduction strategy aimed at reducing the use of pesticides for cosmetic purposes on private property.  In the Fall of 2002, City Council established targets for reductions in pesticide use for several specific use categories (e.g. residential, institutional) to be achieved by the end of September 2005 through voluntary measures.  If these targets are not reached at the end of this period, the plan calls for the implementation of regulatory measures to restrict or ban such use of pesticides for cosmetic purposes.

The City of Ottawa commissioned Decima Research Inc. to conduct a survey to measure current pesticide use among golf courses including: products used, application, and anticipated changes impacting use.  Specifically, the following information was collected:

·        Description of the courses

·        Course management practices

·        Environmental conditions impacting course management

·        Current and previous years pesticide use

The questionnaire for this survey was designed by Decima Research, in close consultation with City representatives and golf course owners.  During January 2004, questionnaires were distributed to 32 golf courses in the City of Ottawa.  The distribution was undertaken, on Decima’s behalf, by the Eastern Ontario Chapter of the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA), and this assistance is greatly appreciated.

Of the 32 courses contacted, 13 participated in the research by completing and returning the survey.  Due to small number of responses, the actual number of courses is used throughout this report rather than percentages.

 

Detailed Analysis

 

Golf Course Profile

A variety of golf courses participated in the survey including public, private, and semi-private courses.

The 2003 Golf Course Pesticide Use survey was conducted among public (5), private (4) and semi-private (4) golf courses.

Based on the course size in 2003, participating courses can be divided into three groups:

·        Six courses have an area under 100 acres;

·        Five are between 100 and 200 acres; and

·        Two are 200 acres or more in area.

In terms of soil types, most courses have more than one, with 11 reporting clay soil, seven (7) sandy loam, and six (6) sand. Three (3) courses have other types of soil in addition to those specifically mentioned.

Pesticide Use

In this section, information is presented on the pesticide products used as well as usage over the years.

Overall, liquid pesticides are replacing granular ones.

In general, the types of pesticide products used on Ottawa golf courses have been consistent throughout the years.  However, in one of the clubs Daconil 2787 and Roural Green have replaced Quintozene as a product of choice over the years.  Another participant mentioned that the choice of products depends on the regulations in place.

The amount of pesticide used was reported in either kilograms or litres, rather than the amount of active ingredient, making overall comparisons difficult.  Nonetheless, some qualitative trends may be noted.  Over the years, liquid pesticides have been replacing granular ones.  The average number of litres of pesticide per acre increased form 1.99 in 1993 to 3.1 in 2003. 

One of the survey participants mentioned that a better way of measuring pesticide usage would be by concentration/toxicity of an active ingredient and type of pesticide such as: fungicide, herbicide and insecticide.

In general, there is no consistency in reports of increased or decreased pesticide usage in 2003 compared to previous years.  While the pesticides use of four (4) courses increased in the past few years, it has decreased for five (5) others.  One respondent suggests that the use of pesticides will decrease in future years due to better fertilizers such as the organic fertilizer – Sustain.  Another participant, who has operated golf courses for over thirty-five years, mentions that pesticide use has been greatly reduced over the years.

Weather is the main factor in determining pesticide usage.

Survey participants agree that weather is the biggest factor determining the amount of pesticide used.  All 13 courses report that their pesticide use varies from year-to-year depending on weather and related conditions.  In 2003, seven (7) courses used less pesticide than in a normal year, five (5) used more and one (1) used the same amount of pesticide.

One of the participants mentioned that for the three years preceding 2003, the weather was favourable in terms of decreasing the amount of pesticide used.  Other participants’ indicated that more pesticides were used due to climatic conditions in 1999 and 1998.

As mentioned by one of the participants, pesticide usage is also influenced by threshold of disease tolerance.  This threshold varies greatly from course to course and “from year-to-year as membership expectations increase”.  There is a spike in herbicide use every two to three years to maintain control.

Of the surveyed courses, 10 report changes in turf maintenance standards since 1993.  Six (6) of the ten say that the change has not affected the quantity of pesticide product applied.  Three (3) courses report that the product usage has decreased and one (1) reports that it has increased as a result of the changes.

Year of Change in Standards	Number of Courses
1995	2
1996	1
1997	1
2000	1
2001	2
2002	1
Total	8

 

One of the respondents reveals that standards and expectations have increased but the products have also changed.  With new products having more efficient active ingredients, less product is needed to achieve the same result. Moreover, more precise applications with new equipment permit more effective pesticides usage.

HORTICULTURAL SUPPORT TEAM ANNUAL REPORT 2004                     DOCUMENT 4

Horticulture Advisory Service

Report April - Dec. 2004

In 2002 the City began a multi-pronged program to help the public embrace pesticide free landscapes and gardening.  In 2003 the City contracted our multi-disciplined team of experts (horticulturist, entomologist, turf specialist) to help with the public education component of the pesticide reduction strategy. We have continued this mandate in 2004 presenting many seminars, advising condominium managers, individuals and city staff.

We used our experience and education to promote a change in people’s attitudes away from the use of pesticides towards pesticide free lawn and garden care.  We also present the benefits of, and methods to: improve bio-diversity in the garden; how to develop an ecologically sustainable garden; and options where the lawn is reduced so that it is no longer the major focal point in the landscape.  This all is part of the larger project to help homeowners adapt and evolve with the changing reality of lawn care in Ottawa towards more environmentally friendly, diversified, aesthetically pleasing gardens.  One working premise was that subtle shifts in public opinion and garden practices can result in substantial reductions in pesticide use.

A database was initiated that includes the cultural practices and costs for many private and public properties that are maintained without pesticides.  This is particularly important if Condominium Property Managers are to embrace a pesticide-free policy on housing areas throughout the City.

DELIVERABLES

Fact Sheets have been produced for the City Web Site facilitating:

·               A list of alternative pest control methods available to the homeowner with a brief description

·               Landscaping with existing environmental conditions thereby reducing pest problems

·               Weeds and methods of control

Recommendation

·                                                 The City could include a fact sheet with the analysis data on the city compost, as it is a pesticide/insect/pathogen free product available at a very low cost to homeowners.  The compost produced is a product that should be more strongly promoted to the public for use in their lawns and gardens.

 

·               Public, Private and Condominium Properties maintained by pesticide free cultural practices

·               Beautiful pesticide free landscapes

·               Beautifully landscaped front yard where the lawn has been replaced by other plants

·               Pest free ground-covering plants and perennials

·               Insect and disease pests for better identification

·               Cultural practices that promote plant health and decrease pest problems

During the course of our contract we have included reliable resource web site links related to the fact sheets posted on the pesticide page on the city’s website.

General work

We advised City staff and clients concerning pesticide-free horticultural practices, presented seminars, and wrote up some information packages.  We also began collecting data on pesticide free and IPM managed condominiums.

·               Ants

·               Beginners plant diagnostics for diseases

·               Dandelions

·               Deadly Nightshade

·               Gardening tips for the Internal City Paper “City Briefs.”

·               List of commonly used pesticides (herbicides, fungicides and insecticides) with a brief description

·               Nematodes

·               Organic Weed Killers List

·               Poison Ivy

·               Ragweed

·               Reduced Winterizing Fact sheet

·               Refined Composting process handout

·               Revised the Grubs Fact Sheet to include Japanese Beetle

·               Shade Loving Plant List

·               Spring Gardening

·               Weeds

Pending Initiatives

Beet juice extract as a post-emergent herbicide; created by Mark Miles of Greener Pastures, USA.  It is in the process of registration.

There are 5 presenters on our resource team: 3 English and 2 French

The team presented a series of seminars to the public as part of the education program.  In addition to the lecture component, usually the seminar information included slides, plant and bug specimens and sample organic products.  We promoted the benefits of water conservation gardening, through the lecture material and demonstrated the proper use of a soaker hose.  The public feedback was extremely positive. The seminars were deemed to be factual, entertaining and the speakers were knowledgeable and approachable.  Attendance was high (30-60 people per seminar) in the spring and summer when we were in arenas.  In the fall the attendance was lower (15- 35 people per seminar) when we were in libraries. 

·                                                                         Lawn care and lawn insect seminars are very popular in Spring and Summer but not in the Fall

·                                                                         Seminars about perennials were the best attended in the Fall

·                                                                         Seminars presented for Office and City employees were very well attended in the spring and should be continued

·                                                                         Seminars presented for church members were very well attended and this outreach venue should be increased

·                                                                         Natural Insect/Disease Control seminars need a catchier title

·                                                                         Workshops-Seminars could be given on the weekends in large box stores, grocery store garden centres, and nurseries thereby capturing an audience that appreciates the convenience of a local spot.

·                                                                         Though the advertising for French seminars was aggressive it did not result in good attendance, instead they could be presented in French Elementary Schools or coupled with English seminars (either presented at the same time in an adjacent room or in tandem)

Seminar topics included:

• Alternatives to lawns
• Groundcovers
• Landscaping Alternatives – escaping the lawn!
• Composting
• Fall lawn and garden care
• Great Gardens are rooted in Soil
• Lawn Care
• Identifying Grub Species; Non-Pesticide Control of Specific Grub Species (nematodes and cultural practices)
• Natural Insect Control (ants, chinch bugs, earwigs, etc)
• Organic Pest Management for Ornamental Plants (shrubs, perennials and annuals).
• Xeriscaping

46 Seminars Presented In English or French

April

·               Composting for NRC; Canada Institute for Scientific and Technical Information (CISTI).

·               Lawn Care for Richmond Anglican Church: saintjohnrichmond@eisa.com

·               Xeriscaping for Kanata Environmental Network

·               6 seminars on Lawncare and Lawn Insect Management

·               1 seminar on Alternative Landscape Ideas and Groundcovers

·               1 seminar on Composting

·               1 seminar on 10 Easy Care Perennials

 

June

·               1 seminar on Groundcovers        

·               1 seminar on Lawn Care and Lawn Insect Management

·               1 seminar on Lawn Care and Groundcovers

·               1 seminar on Xeriscaping                        

·               3 seminars 10 Easy Care Perennials

·               1 seminar on Lawn Care for Finance 140 Sparks St.

·               1 seminar on Lawn Care For Canadian Food Inspection 159 Cleopatra

·               1 seminar on Lawn Care and Groundcovers

·               3 seminars 10 Easy Care Perennials

·               1 seminar on Alternative Landscape Ideas

·               3 seminars Xeriscaping         

·               1 seminar on Composting

·               No Seminars

September

·               2 seminar on Winterizing the Garden    

·               1 seminar on Groundcovers        

·               4 seminar on Fall Lawn and Garden Care

·               1 seminars 10 Easy Care Perennials  

·               1 seminar on Lawn Care and Groundcovers

·               1 seminar on Alternative Landscape Ideas                      

·               1 seminar on Natural Insect and Disease Control

·               1 seminar Xeriscaping

October

·               2 seminars 10 Easy Care Perennials

·               1 Condominium Associations Turf Information Presentation

·                    6 radio and TV interviews promoting the City seminars

·                    TV advertisement using Dr. Cushman for pesticide free lawn care.

May

The Horticultural team promoted pesticide free gardening/ turf maintenance on CFRA, hosted by Steve Maidley.

June

The Horticultural team promoted the City seminars on Rogers during a 20 minute interview.

July 

The Horticultural team had 4 spots on the New RO promoting the City seminars. We brought in props (plants and tools) to create an aesthetically pleasing display.  We were interviewed on the following topics; composting; alternative landscape ideas and ground cover.

August 12

Communications staff organized a pesticide-free advertisement with Medical Officer of Health recommending cultural practices for lawns instead of using pesticides. A family with a young child played on the lawn and horticulturalist top dressed a bare patch then reseeded it.

·               The media spots would be more effective if they were in April to July.

·               The TV spots were positive promotions for the seminars.

Photographs were taken (digital, slide and print) on the following topics;

·               Alternative Landscape Styles

·               Alternatives to Lawns

·               Biodiverse landscapes and the insects in them.

·               Groundcovers

·               Dandelions

·               Poison Ivy

·               Ragweed

·               Other Weeds

·               Insects

·               Diseases

·               COG Dry Display Bed through out the spring and summer

·               Cultural practices (fall garden hygiene)

·               Condominium properties

The photos have been used as a resource for seminars.

CD’s were made of all the photos taken for this project and given to City.

Horticultural, insect and disease questions left on the City Hotline were answered by the appropriate team member.  Approximately 100 calls were answered over the course of the spring and summer.      

Attended meetings and continued to share information in conjunction with pesticide-free maintenance practices, CGM, nematodes, and disease control.

·               Reviewed CHO pamphlet

May

·               Kanata Research Park Pilot Pesticide Free Site; met with the Property Manager and Head Groundskeeper to discuss frequency and methods of irrigation, fertilization, weed control, and mowing for the organically maintained test site. Toured the site and photographed the turf as part of the documentation and long-term evaluation process. Will compile a CD for as part of project final report for KRP staff and the city staff. 

·               Met with property manager of 1505 Baseline Rd condominium to discuss pesticide-free turf maintenance; however the site has had grub infestations in the past, and they needed advice on the transition towards pesticide free turf maintenance.

·               Contacted West Carleton Seniors Centre

·               Evaluated the COG Dry Display Bed for the Pesticide Reduction Grant Programme # 2003-05

·               Met with Backyard Habitat Programs Coordinator, CWF. Shared information about deer and rodent control, eco-lawn benefits and costs, natural habitats and native plants appropriate for home landscapes.

·               Provided Canadian Medical Association (731-8610, x. 2225, 1867 Alta Vista Drive k1G-3Y6, panett@cma.ca) with the City’s info package including the 100% pesticide free lawn care companies.

·               Advised the West Carleton Seniors Residence (839-2910, 518 Donald B. Monroe Rd., Carp) regarding pest control initiatives.

·               Met with Axia Property Management and evaluated the property in Bells Corners. They want to understand how to improve their turf to reduce their reliance on pesticides; relevant info packages from the City were given.  Axia has other properties that are maintained by IPM.

·               Site review at Bishop Hamilton School 1395 Youville Drive, Orleans)

·               Church of Christ, 420 Sparks St. We toured the grounds and accessed the lawn space.  The volunteers that look after the grounds like pesticides but the minister wants to have the church grounds free of pesticides.  I sent written recommendations   including some relevant information packages to the minister.

·               Kanata Lawn and Garden Show April 23-26 to help promote Pesticide Free Gardening

·               Answered questions and handed out clover during the May, Alta Vista tree planting day promoted by Councilor Hume

·               June 13 Billings Estate    

·               June 16 Seniors Fair Orleans      

·               Promoting biodiversity; helped Canadian Organic Gardeners (Ottawa) catalogue the insects in their display garden

·               Sent COG representative the completed photograph CD of the COG Dry Display Bed.

Met with many of the organic lawn care companies and Condominium Managers while collecting data on Condominiums managed without pesticides.  These meetings helped forge an initial respectful association, gain a better understanding of the problems and start discussions on various solutions.

Condo and Landscape Companies contacted for costing and cultural practices data

Algonquin College

Appleseed Landscaping                                               

Arboretum, Ornamental Gardens

Axia Condo Management

Beaver Pond Condo CCC166

Boone Plumbing

Carleton University Grounds Supervisor

City Hall

Creek Side Condo

Dickson Management  

Doug Perkins nandd@magma.ca.

Ganden Landscaping

Maycourt gardens

Multiproperty Management

Nutrilawn John Bloskie  

University of Ottawa Groundskeeing

Caltrio Landscaping

Palsen Park (Pesticide free lawn care)

Scott Cockwell www.safelawncare.com                        

Richard S. Brown Turf's Up Landscaping and Property Maintenance Inc.

2 organically managed lawns and 2 chemically managed lawns. 

Initiated contact with 5 Organic Golf courses to request information on their turf care programs but have not received any responses to date.        

During 2004 the Entomologist on the team has given advice on the use and toxicity of various poisonous plants and herbicides.

In May the Entomologist gave a basic biology presentation to city staff about the three grubs species attacking turf in the Ottawa area. She also answered many questions about the pesticide Merit and explained why the pest management decision to treat with Merit occurs before anyone can monitor for the grubs in the turf.  Merit registered use is for application prior to oviposition. 

The team Entomologist wrote a thresholds sheet for grubs, concerning Sports Field Merit application.

Starting in May the team is collecting costing data for chemically maintained condo properties versus organically maintained properties.

We have advised Staff on plant/insect questions that surfaced on the hotline.     

Met with Staff regarding the use of Roundup on two sports fields (Ken Steele Park and Kinsella) that are about to be renovated.  Upon a site inspection, all agreed to the recommendation to allow the soil stripping to continue on schedule but without the proposed pesticide application this fall.

Condominium Information Session

The presentation was approximately 45 minutes long, beginning with the reasons to forgo pesticides, followed by cultural maintenance practices for turf and other plant material, monitoring for insect/disease problems, and replacing turf areas where it is not needed. 

We are researching and documenting turf maintenance practices and insect/disease management on existing organic properties. Many organically managed properties were interviewed; there is photographic and written documentation of their practices and the resulting turf. 

We have interviewed the lawncare companies to develop a more accurate picture of the cultural practices that are being applied to condo properties.  In some instances condominium managers have believed that a property is managed organically but is in fact managed under IPM principles, which do allow pesticides as a last resort.

·               The sessions should focus on the reasons to reduce pesticides.

·               Condo managers/board members need to ask their grounds maintenance companies to produce a plan showing how they will improve cultural practices with the aim of reducing and eventually eliminating pesticide application.

·               Have a Congratulatory web site listing all the condo’s that are pesticide free with a photo of the open spaces.

·               Contact Landscape Ontario and have them list the pesticide free landscape maintenance companies

·               Send out ‘ Certificates’ to hang on the walls of Condo managers who manage pesticide free properties.

CONCLUSION

2004 has been a very busy and productive year for the team.  In particular, the success of the workshop/seminar series demonstrates a desire by residents to learn more about the impacts of pesticides and how to reduce and even eliminate the need for pesticides in their lawns and gardens.  The growing data base of photographic resources documenting lawns and gardens in both a state of pesticide dependency and a state of cultural dependency (having eliminated pesticides), is becoming a substantive tool in educating the public about feasible alternatives.  A continued focus needs to be maintained on the condominium sector to enable members to influence their boards of directors to eliminate pesticide use and implement cultural/organic turf care.

Prepared by:

Maryanne Jackson Hughes

November  2004

SURFACE WATER PESTICIDES TESTING RESULTS 2004                           DOCUMENT 5

surface water Pesticide

Monitoring Program

summary  2003-2004

City of Ottawa

Water Environment Protection Program

 For the Environmental Management Division

Report prepared by Dawne Flaborea,

Water Environment Protection Program

Public Works and Services

City of Ottawa

Executive Summary

In 2003, a two year pesticide monitoring study was initiated by the City of Ottawa’s Environmental Management Division (formerly Development Services Department) to investigate the occurrence and concentration of pesticides in the surface waters within the City of Ottawa.  Pesticides applied to urban lawns and rural crops often reach the surface waters in stormwater runoff.  In order to  capture the pesticide contributions from both urban and rural lands, monitoring locations were established on the Rideau River, Sawmill Creek and Mosquito Creek.

A total of 83 samples were collected between May and October, during base (dry weather) flow and precipitation (wet weather) events.  Sample analysis focussed on nutrients and 10 target pesticides, herbicides and insecticides commonly associated with lawn care. 

Both 2003 and 2004 surface water samples contained detectable concentrations of 2,4-D, MCPP, Dicamba and Diazinon.  Atrazine, not detected in 2003, was found at two sample locations in 2004.  The pesticides carbofuran, cypermethrin, d-ethyl atrazine, metolachor and metribuzin were not detected in any of the 2003-2004 samples.  The Provincial Water Quality Objective for diazinon was exceeded on four occasions in 2003 but only once in 2004.  The reduction in diazinon exceedences and overall detections in the surface water samples is most likely a result of Health Canada’s 2003/2004 ban on the sale and commercial use of diazinon. 

The majority of pesticides were found in the two smaller tributaries.  Sawmill Creek, with its highly urbanized lands, was clearly impacted by precipitation.  Wet weather samples had the highest pesticide concentrations and greatest frequency of detection. Dry weather samples contained very low levels of only two pesticides.  Mosquito Creek sample results were more variable with pesticides detected in both wet and dry weather samples.  The larger Rideau River system was virtually free of pesticides.  Samples from the Kars and Hogs Back locations contained only one detection of dicamba and atrazine while five samples from the mouth of the Rideau River (Sussex) contained 2,4-D, MCPP and Dicamba but at levels below what could be accurately reported by the laboratory. 

Overall there were fewer pesticides detected in 2004 and at a lower concentration than the 2003 samples.   Pesticides were detected on 66 occasions in 2003 whereas in 2004 pesticide detections dropped to 27.  The combined 2003-2004 summary of results is listed below:

•         MCPP (detected in 47%  of samples),

•         2,4-D (detected in 30% of samples),

•         Dicamba  (detected in 17%  of samples),

•         Diazinon  (detected in 17% of samples; 6 samples exceeding the PWQO).

•         Atrazine  (detected in 3% of samples),

Total phosphorus results remained consistent between 2003 and 2004.  Concentrations were frequently present at levels above the Interim Provincial Water Quality Objective, for both wet and dry weather samples.