Bill > H4191

This bill authorizes the town of Wellfleet to enact a comprehensive pesticide reduction bylaw aimed at minimizing toxic pesticide use on public and private properties. The bill provides extensive findings about the potential health and environmental risks associated with pesticides, highlighting their potential links to various health issues and their harmful effects on wildlife, ecosystems, and water sources. The legislation establishes a strict "Allowed Materials List" that permits only certain natural and minimally processed pesticides, with specific exceptions for indoor pest control, personal use products, pet treatments, and some household cleaning and sanitizing products. Commercial farming, nurseries, and ecological restoration efforts can obtain waivers for pesticide use, and the Town Manager can grant temporary waivers in emergency public health situations. The bylaw includes enforcement provisions managed by the Town Manager, with penalties of $100 for the first offense and $300 for subsequent offenses, and potential business license revocation for commercial applicators. The bill emphasizes a precautionary approach to pesticide use, prioritizing non-chemical pest management methods and protecting vulnerable populations from involuntary pesticide exposure. The legislation is designed to be severable, meaning that if any part is found invalid, the rest of the bylaw can remain in effect.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H4191