Parks and Landscaping O&M
Go through the sections below. You may skip this section if your job responsibilities do not involve Parks and Landscaping O&M.
Purpose
The purpose of this program is to protect waterways by preventing and controlling pollution generated during parks and landscaping O&M activities.
General Principles
Manage pesticide and fertilizer use and implement an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program
Minimize irrigation runoff
Properly dispose of green waste
Cover and maintain trash containers to prevent overflow
IPM Procedures
NPDES Regulations require your agency to follow a written IPM program. This applies to contractors that apply pesticides and fertilizers, as well as City staff. The required elements of this IPM program are included below, along with template programs. You may use these templates to help develop your Agency's IPM program.
LA County IPM requirements and template program
Comply with pesticide regulations pertaining to the use, application, and disposal of Pesticides in California Code of Regulations (CCR), Chapter 4, Subchapters 3, 4, and 5.
Pesticides are used only if monitoring indicates they are needed, and pesticides are applied according to applicable permits and established guidelines.
Treatments are made with the goal of removing only the target organism.
Pest controls are selected and applied in a manner that minimizes risks to human health, beneficial non-target organisms, and the environment.
The use of pesticides, including organophosphates and pyrethroids, that does not threaten water quality.
Partner with other agencies and organizations to encourage the use of IPM.
Adopt and verifiably implement policies, procedures, and/ or ordinances requiring the minimization of pesticide use and encouraging the use of IPM techniques (including beneficial insects) for Public Agency Facilities and Activities.
Policies, procedures, and ordinances shall include commitments and a schedule to reduce the use of pesticides that cause impairment of surface waters by implementing the following procedures:
Prepare and annually update an inventory of pesticides used by all internal departments, divisions, and other operational units.
Quantify pesticide use by staff and hired contractors.
Demonstrate implementation of IPM alternatives where feasible to reduce pesticide use.
Use a standardized protocol for the routine and non-routine application of pesticides (including pre-emergent), and fertilizers.
Ensure there is no application of pesticides or fertilizers (1) when two or more consecutive days with greater than 50% chance of rainfall are predicted by NOAA, (2) within 48 hours of a ½-inch rain event, or (3) when water is flowing off the area where the application is to occur. This requirement does not apply to the application of aquatic pesticides or pesticides which require water for activation.
Ensure that no banned or unregistered pesticides are stored or applied.
Ensure that all staff applying pesticides are certified in the appropriate category by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation or are under the direct supervision of a pesticide applicator certified in the appropriate category.
Implement procedures to encourage the retention and planting of native vegetation to reduce water, pesticide and fertilizer needs.
Store pesticides and fertilizers indoors or under cover on paved surfaces or use secondary containment.
Reduce the use, storage, and handling of hazardous materials to reduce the potential for spills.
Regularly inspect storage areas.
Orange County IPM requirements and template program
