Signs Bill Requiring the Implementation of Integrated Pest
Management policies
(TRENTON) – To make New Jersey’s schools
healthier and more environmentally friendly, Governor James E.
McGreevey today signed legislation, Senate Bill 137, requiring
the implementation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
policies at public, private, and charter school properties
throughout the State.
“Our children and our educators spend
upwards of six hours every day in school,” said Governor
McGreevey, “and we have a fundamental responsibility to ensure
that New Jersey’s school facilities are clean and safe. Not
only are we taking steps to meet that responsibility, but we
are doing so in a way that is sensitive to environmental
considerations.”
"Insects and pests in our schools pose a
severe health hazard," said Assembly Majority Leader Joseph
Roberts. "The extermination, however, is sometimes more
dangerous to children than the infestation. A systematic
IPM approach to ridding our schools of vermin will solve the
problem while keeping kids safe."
AThis law
combines education, safety and pest control to achieve a
common good,@ Senator
Barbara Buono said. AOur
children will be kept safe under pest control programs which
are fully explained to students and parents alike.Alternatives
to spraying are a fundamental part of any integrated pest
management program. If spraying ultimately is deemed
necessary, this law provides a solid framework for informing
the community and assuring that all necessary precautions are
taken.@
"The majority of high-impact pesticides are
highly toxic chemicals that can make kids sick if inhaled or
ingested," said Assemblymember Linda Stender. "The
notification of parents and staff allows for the option of
avoiding harmful products."
“Chemical pesticides are often used and
over-used within our schools, and throughout school property,”
said Senator John Matheussen. “The dangers of long-term
environmental exposure to these chemicals can have a
devastating effect on our children’s health. This bill will
help protect our children’s lives.”
Senate Bill 137 requires the superintendent
of each school district, the board of trustees of charter
schools, and the principal or chief administrator of private
schools to adopt and implement a school integrated pest
management (IPM) policy for each school property.
The policy developed for each school must
be consistent with a model developed by the Department of
Environmental Protection in consultation with the Commissioner
of Education, the New Jersey School Boards Association, and
the New Jersey Cooperative Extension Service of Rutgers. The
model policy must be based upon integrated pest management
plans for schools developed by the United States Environmental
Protection Agency.
Each school will be required to designate a
coordinator to maintain information about pesticide
applications on the school property, act as a contact for
inquiries about the school’s IPM, and maintain material safety
data sheets and labels for all pesticides that are used on the
school property.
The bill authorizes the Department of
Environmental Protection to issue an administrative order
against a local school board, the board of trustees of a
charter school, or a principal or chief administrator of a
private school that fails to comply with the provisions of the
act.
Senate Bill 137
was substituted for Assembly Bill 2841, which is sponsored by
Assemblymembers Joseph Roberts (D-Camden/Gloucester), Linda
Stender (D-Middlesex/Somerset/Union) and Albio Sires
(D-Hudson). Assembly Bill 2481 is co-sponsored by
Assemblymembers Larry Chatzidakis (R-Atlantic/
Burlington/Camden), Linda Greenstein (D-Mercer/ Middlesex),
Reed Gusciora (D-Mercer) and Jeff Van Drew (D-Cape May/
Atlantic/Cumberland).
