The Albemarle County Board of Supervisors could end the use of pesticides around the county’s parks and schools, depending on the outcome of a June 4 public hearing. At the meeting, Board members will hear recommendations from the county’s Safer Chemical Committee.
Jackie Lombardo, member of the National Sierra Club Toxins Committee and the local Sierra Club, was one of the first to address the Board of Supervisors of the dangers of the use of chemicals and pesticides on the health of children when the item was discussed last year.
“Scientists tell us there are more health risks involved with the use of pesticides,” says Lombardo. “Children’s health has taken a dramatic turn for the worse in the last 20 years.”
 “From my point of view, [without any pesticides] we’re going to sacrifice our playing fields,” says Tim Hughes, athletic supervisor for county Parks and Rec. |
The meeting is a continuation from last summer, when the issue first was raised. The county Parks and Recreation department then agreed to an interim policy to limit, though not completely eliminate, the use of pesticides. Some of the issues taking center stage in the debate will include the health risks for children, the upkeep of playing fields, and the potential costs associated with a reduction in pesticides and chemicals.
Lombardo places some blame for the numbers of students with chronic health conditions and in special ed classes on an increase in exposure to pesticides and other harmful chemicals.
“We’re seeing chemicals and materials that 75 years ago didn’t exist,” Lombardo says. “We’re at a point where kids—our canaries in the coal mines—are getting sicker and sicker.”
But Tim Hughes, athletic supervisor for Parks and Rec, is concerned about the state of the fields with limited pesticide use. Last year’s interim policy effectively put an end to the use, with the exception of common weed killer Roundup.
“Some of the fields are in a little worse condition,” says Hughes. “One in particular is Western Albemarle High School’s baseball field, which is pretty heavily infested with dandelions.” Sarah Temple, environmental compliance manager for the county, acknowledged that in certain cases, the only way to act was to use pesticides.
“In some cases, like treating for poison ivy, we haven’t found a chemical-free answer for getting rid of that,” Temple says. Hughes felt that without pesticides, drastic effects could be seen.
“From my point of view, [without any pesticides] we’re going to sacrifice our playing fields,” says Hughes.
Also under consideration are the potential cost increases that could come from a change in the use of chemicals and pesticides.
“There would be some increased costs in terms of the labor and the fact that some green-labeled products are more expensive,” Hughes says. However, with the costs could come some benefits.
“You have to look at the soft benefits,” Temple says. “Using less chemicals and materials can’t be bad for the environment.”
C-VILLE welcomes news tips from readers. Send them to news@c-ville.com.