COMMUNITY SERVICES AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE

 

 

 

 

 

TO:

Mayor and Members of Council

 

 

 

 

FROM:

Paul Ingham, General Manager of Operations

 

 

 

 

PREPARED BY:

Mark Ingwersen, Manager of Parks Maintenance

 

 

 

 

DATE OF MEETING:

2004-Mar-08

 

 

 

 

SUBJECT:

Pesticide Reduction Steering Committee Interim Report

 

 

 

 

RECOMMENDATION:

That the report titled “Pesticide Reduction Steering Committee Interim Report”, dated March 8, 2004, be received;

 

And that the Operations Division hire a qualified consultant to undertake the assessment of the Town’s parks, sports fields, boulevards and medians and review the Town’s maintenance practices.

 

And further that, funding in the amount of $25,000, to cover the cost of the consultant’s review, can be provided from the Enhanced Program funding set-aside for Parks in the 2003 Operating Budget.

 

PURPOSE:

To provide staff comments on the Pesticide Reduction Steering Committee (PRSC) Interim Report recommendations.

 

BACKGROUND:

On June 16, 2003, the Community Services and Environmental Committee reviewed the Town of Markham Pesticide Reduction Steering Committee (PRSC) Interim Report, dated June 16, 2003.  The following are the recommendations included in the Interim Report:

 

1.         Continue implementation of the Ward 2 pilot project for 2003/2004

2.         That improvements/adjustments be made to the maintenance program, that the enhanced program be implemented including the use of non-synthetic fertilizer and top dressing and that funding for these enhancements be provided from the 2003 operating budget.

3.         Implement the five attainable targets as set out in the PRSC Interim Report

4.         Develop other long-term goals (2004 and beyond)

 

At the February 10, 2004 Council meeting, staff was directed by Council to report on the recommendations of the Interim Report from the PRSC. 

 

OPTIONS/DISCUSSION:

Pesticide Reduction Steering Committee Recommendations

1.  Continue implementation of the Ward 2 pilot project for 2003/2004

Cultural practices are the implementation of maintenance procedures that promote the health and vigour of turf grasses, while weakening existing weeds and discouraging germination of weed seeds in the soil.  These practices include increased mowing frequency, from the current approved 10-14 day cycle to a 5-7 day cycle, aeration three times per year, overseeding twice per year, additional fertilizing four times per year, top dressing once a year, and irrigation.  The Cultural Practices Program was initiated in the late 1980’s on major sports fields to increase turf cover on these fields to ensure safe conditions for sports field users.  A by-product of the implementation of Cultural Practices on our sports fields has been the prevention of weed growth. 

 

The Pesticide Free Pilot Project was initiated in 2001 in all Ward 2 Parks. In 2002 the pilot project expanded to include the use of cultural practices at five Ward 2 Parks and the Civic Centre. The cultural practices included increased mowing frequency, aeration, and overseeding, however top dressing, additional fertilizer and irrigation was not considered to be necessary due to expense, degree of difficulty with existing equipment, and lower wear and tear rates on parks versus sports fields. 

 

In reviewing the results of the 2003 Cultural Practices pilot project, it has been determined that 50% of the plots showed a decrease of weeds in varying degrees, and 50% of the plots showed an increase of weeds in varying degrees as indicated in Chart 1 below.  Similar results were noted for clover.

 

Chart 1 - 2003 Cultural Practices Pilot Project Summary

 

Weed Reduction Summary May 5, 2003- November 30, 2003

 

Park

Plot

Oct. 30, 2002

May 5, 2003

July 31, 2003

November 5, 2003

% Variance in Weeds

 

% Weeds

% Weeds

% Clover

% Weeds

% Clover

May 2003-November 2003*

 

Green Lane

1

50%

50%

25%

2%

30%

5%

-20%

 

2

65%

60%

30%

10%

45%

15%

-15%

 

Thornlea East

1

80%

70%

70%

10%

65%

20%

-5%

 

2

50%

50%

40%

5%

35%

10%

-15%

 

Windy Hill

1

50%

1%

45%

25%

45%

40%

44%

 

2

30%

30%

20%

10%

20%

5%

-10%

 

Leitchcroft Commons

1

5%

1%

2%

<1%

5%

<1%

4%

 

2

20%

40%

45%

<1%

35%

<1%

-5%

 

Paddock

1

10%

5%

10%

1%

10%

1%

5%

 

2

90%

75%

75%

10%

75%

2%

0%

 

Civic Centre *

1

50%

20%

45%

<1%

45%

10%

25%

 

2

35%

10%

30%

0%

25%

1%

15%

 

3

80%

40%

60%

<1%

65%

5%

25%

 

4

60%

20%

10%

<1%

15%

1%

-5%

 

Beat Pulp Molasses

N/A

N/A

80%

50%

70%

40%

-10%

 

Corngluten

N/A

N/A

1%

<1%

3%

<1%

2%

 

* The percent variance of weeds was calculated for beat pulp molasses and the corn gluten plots based on plot inspections by staff  made from  July 31st to November 5th, 2003. 

 

** The Civic Centre is an irrigated area

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

=  Highlighted areas show a decrease in weeds

 

 

 

 

 

Based on the sports fields cultural practices program conducted over the past 15 years, staff is confident that the long-term cumulative effect of cultural practices in parks will improve the quality of turf, and reduce (but not eliminate) weeds.  Environmental conditions such as droughts, and smog alerts, which restrict mowing, will affect the results from year to year, and make it impossible to guarantee the end results of the program. 

 

The estimated cost to implement cultural practices in 2003 was $1035/hectare. The year-end analysis of the cultural practices pilot project indicated an actual cost of  $898/hectare. The actual cost was less than the estimated cost due to the use of less expensive student labour. In addition, costs vary widely based on park design and layout. Locations with a large number of hills, trees, benches, etc. require more labour intensive procedures to complete the requirements of the program.  The initial capital cost to purchase equipment required to implement the program on a larger scale would be $1,768/hectare, with additional annual operating and capital budget impacts to cover both short and long term operating, repair and replacement costs. 

 

Due to the severe droughts experienced in both 2002 and 2003, which adversely affected the results of the program, continuing this pilot project in 2004 may provide more encouraging results.  Funds have been allocated in the draft 2004 Parks Maintenance Operating budget to continue the current pilot project in 2004. 

 

2.  That improvements/adjustments be made to the maintenance program, that the enhanced program be implemented including the use of non-synthetic fertilizer and top dressing and that funding for these enhancements be provided from the 2003 operating budget.

As part of the ongoing initiative of Parks Maintenance to continue to reduce pesticide use, and as recommended in the PRSC’s interim report, Parks Maintenance has undertaken trials at the Civic Centre and at Millennium Park involving a number of organic/alternate treatments.

 

Beat Pulp Molasses was first used on a plot at the Civic Centre in September 2002.  Three applications of beat pulp molasses were made.  Although the contractor claimed that there was a decrease in weeds, staff did not observe any appreciable difference. In order to further evaluate the benefits of beat pulp molasses, six applications were made between June 6, 2003 and October 30, 2003, as recommended by the organic lawn care contractor performing the applications.  Throughout this initiative and after the last application of beat pulp molasses staff inspected the plots and found a 10% decrease in weeds over the five month program as indicated in Chart 1 on the previous page.  This project will continue in 2004 to further evaluate the benefits. 

 

Corn Gluten is reported to prevent seed germination when applied under certain conditions. Corn gluten works best in dry conditions, and is time and weather sensitive. This initiative was piloted in 2003 at Millennium Park on a ½ ha. plot. Corn gluten was applied twice throughout the season as recommended by the manufacturer/supplier. The first application was carried out in June 2003, and the second application was carried out in September 2003. The results of this project are inconclusive and the project will continue in 2004 to further evaluate the benefits.

 

Fescue Grass Seed was used in the August 2003 overseeding process for the Cultural Practices Pilot Project, and will continue to be used in 2004.  There are no additional costs associated with changing the type of seed used in the pilot project.

 

Top Dressing compost was applied to a ½ ha test plot at the Civic Centre in 2003.  Staff will continue to top dress the ½ ha. site at the Civic Centre in 2004, and report on results at the end of the 2004 growing season. 

 

Staff will continue to investigate and implement natural alternatives to pest problems where feasible as part of our ongoing efforts to find effective alternatives to pesticide use. 

 

The following table summarizes the cost for initiatives discussed.

 

Initiative

Cost/ha/yr

Beat Pulp

$4080

Corn Gluten

$2026

Fescue Grass Seed

N/A

Top Dressing

$1561

Killex Application (Herbicide)

$432

 

As part of recommendation #2 the Pesticide Reduction Steering Committee recommended that staff report to the PRSC on implementation of the pilot project.  Staff submitted Monthly Pesticide Pilot Project Maintenance Reports to the PRSC for the 2003 Cultural Practices Pilot Project (CPPP) and will continue to provide monthly reports in 2004. 

 

The PRSC also recommended that soil analysis and ph testing be conducted in each of the 6 pilot locations.  Staff conducted soil analyses and tested soil pH in 6 CPPP locations in 2003 and will work with a non-chemical lawn care industry representative to determine an appropriate coarse of action for 2004 based on the test results. 

 

It was also recommended that clover be removed from the list of unwanted ground covers on the pilot project weed inspection sheets.  In order to allow accurate comparisons throughout the program, clover was not removed from the list of unwanted ground covers on the 2003 CPPP weed inspection sheets.  However, an additional column was added to the 2003 CPPP weed inspection sheets to track the percentage of clover at each test plot for the remainder of the 2003 project.  Staff will continue to track clover in this manner in 2004. 

 

It was also recommended that specific staff be trained to inspect the test plot areas.  The Operations Division assigned fully trained staff to inspect the six test plots.  The two individuals inspected the designated test plots throughout 2003 and will continue to do so in 2004 to ensure that inspections are as consistent as possible.

 

3.  Implement the five attainable targets as set out in the PRSC Interim Report

Staff addressed the “Five Attainable Targets” as set out in the Town of Markham PRSC Interim Report (dated June 16, 2003) as follows:

 

C.1)     The Town of Markham extend the pesticide reduction education of the public to Town staff and departments as well.

All Parks Maintenance staff were trained in 2003 and will continue in 2004 to receive training to respond to queries and provide public information on the Town’s current policy on the use of pesticides, including information relevant to the Ward 2 Cultural Practices Pilot Project.  All staff licensed in pesticides will attend the IPM Symposium annually, and literature produced and distributed by the PRSC will continue to be reviewed by Parks staff at staff meetings.

 

C.2)     That residents adjacent to or within a 120 metre radius of a park or turf area to be sprayed be notified at least one week prior to the application.

The Parks Maintenance Section posted signs approximately one week in advance of any scheduled pesticide application on all Town owned lands and will continue this practice.  The signage will provide area residents with notification of approximate dates that the application will occur.  Additional signs will be posted 24 hours in advance of and for 48 hours following any pesticide applications as required by Provincial Law.  In addition, the appropriate Ward Councillor is to be notified in advance of any pesticide application in their ward.

 

C.3)     That detailed records be kept of all pesticide applications on publicly owned lands, and the Operations Department document and report sprayed locations and amounts of chemicals used on Town property.

The Operations Department will continue to maintain detailed records of all pesticide applications including formal documentation of areas sprayed and quantities of chemicals used.  All pesticide applications performed in 2003 are listed on the Town’s web site. 

 

C.4)     That the Development Services Commission set standards for appropriate soil types and depths that are required as a condition of new development or redevelopment in the Town of Markham.

The Operations and Asset Management Department and Developmental Services are to work together to establish standards for parks construction and ensure compliance.  Park Maintenance and Operations must continue to have the opportunity to review and comment on all new park development plans.

 

C.5)     That Markham Council petition the Province of Ontario for change of the Noxious Weed Act.

The Town received clarification on October 31, 2002 from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, that the Town is no longer required to manage noxious weeds in urban areas except for agricultural and commercial horticultural land (See Appendix A).

 

4.  Other long-term goals (2004 and beyond)

The Operations Division recommends that a third party investigation be undertaken to assess the existing conditions of the Town parks, sports fields, boulevards and medians and evaluate the Town’s current maintenance programs.  This investigation is required to address concerns regarding the appearance of these areas, and specifically the number of weeds seen growing in these areas, and questions regarding both current and future municipal pesticide program.  The grounds maintenance evaluation will be conducted in May/June 2004(weather permitting).

 

The results of the investigation will be assessed by comparing similar evaluations in other municipalities, that utilize various maintenance and pesticide programs.  From these results, the Operations Department will establish specific standards of care for various classifications of parks, sports fields, boulevards, etc. and determine options for a comprehensive recovery plan for existing parks and long-term maintenance plans for both existing and new infrastructure.

 

Following a review of the consultants assessment and recommendations, staff will report back to the Community Services and Environment Committee in fall 2004 with the an implementation program, a timeline to meet targets, clarification of processes and costs as they relate to both pesticide reduction and turf maintenance.

 

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS:

The costs associated with the continuation of the Pesticide Reduction Pilot Project for 2004 have been included in the Operations Division’s 2004 Operating Budget submission.  Funding in the amount of $25,000, to cover the cost of the consultant’s review, can be provided from the Enhanced Program funding set-aside for Parks in the amount of $36,000 in the 2003 Operating Budget. This funding was recommended to implement pesticide free parks in 3 additional Wards in 2003, however, since the expansion has not yet been approved, these funds are available to be allocated to the consultant’s review. Following the consultant’s review and a subsequent report to Council, a decision can be made regarding the direction of the cultural practices pilot project.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS:

The Manager of Environmental Leadership has reviewed this report and concurs with the Operations Department’s recommendations.

 

ATTACHMENTS:

Appendix A: Application of the Weed Control Act

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paul Ingham,

General Manager of Operations

 

Peter Loukes, P. Eng.

Director, Operations and Asset Management

 

 

 

 

 

Jim Sales,

Commissioner of Community and Fire Services

 

 

 

 

Q:\Envsrv\PARKS\Reports\2004\PRSC Interim Report - revised 23-02-04.doc