Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program for County Properties:

The enactment of Suffolk County Local Law No. 34-1999 mandated the phase-out of any pesticide use on County-owned properties by 2003 except by special use exemption provided for in Chapter 647 of the Suffolk County Code. The Integrated Pest Management (IMP) Program for County Properties performs vital functions with regard to this pesticide prohibition law and the pest control requirements of the Suffolk County Code.

The IMP Program is implemented under contract with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County (CCE) to support County facilities’ compliance with the pesticide prohibition. CCE performs research and demonstration projects on pest management both indoors and outdoors on County properties. CCE staff conducts site visits and scouting on County properties to enable early diagnosis of pest problems and to provide viable alternatives to pest control in order to prevent the need for pesticide use. CCE staff also performs maintenance activities at County facilities to prevent pest incidences. Training to County employees in alternative pest management techniques and Best Management Practices (BMPs) is provided by CCE including pesticide applicator and specialty training required to obtain New York State certifications. CCE also conducts public outreach and presents at various conferences wherein they represent the goals of the County pesticide prohibition law.

The Pesticide Community Advisory Committee (Pesticide CAC) established by Suffolk County Local Law No. 34-1999 and pursuant to Chapter 647 of the Suffolk County Code is a central component of the IMP Program for County Properties. The Pesticide CAC is charged with overseeing the implementation of the pesticide prohibition on County properties and managing the use of any necessary pesticides by reviewing requests and approving special use exemptions. The Pesticide CAC is managed by the Department of Economic Development and Planning, Division of Water Quality Improvement and includes other County agencies, CCE, cancer awareness advocates, and environmental organizations. The Pesticide CAC works to capitalize on the experiences of various stakeholders to consider the necessity of exemptions and to promote the ongoing development and use of alternative pest management strategies and BMPs on County properties.

The IPM program is funded through the Suffolk County Water Quality Protection and Restoration Program and Land Stewardship Initiative (WQPRP). The funding must be recommended each year by the WQPRP Review Committee and approved by the adoption of the County operating budget.

For more information regarding the IPM Program for County Properties please call Jennifer at (631) 853-4412.

To apply for a Temporary Special Use Exemption on a County property please fill out this EXEMPTION FOR SPECIAL USE PROPERTIES FORM and send to: Jennifer.McGivern@suffolkcountyny.gov