CITY OF RICHMOND
INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT POLICY
1 CITY OF RICHMOND INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT POLICY
In order to protect the environment, City of Richmond assets and public health it will be the policy of the City of Richmond to manage pests of City maintained properties and facilities, using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles and techniques.
The City IPM policy mission is to promote the combined use of physical, cultural, biological and chemical control methods to effectively manage pests with minimal risk to the environment and humans.
For the purposes of this policy the City of Richmond adopts the Integrated Pest Management definition provided by the University of California Statewide IPM Project:
“Integrated Pest Management is an ecosystem-based strategy that focuses on long-term prevention of pests or their damage through a combination of techniques such as biological control, habitat manipulation, modification of cultural practices, and use of resistant varieties. Pesticides are used only after monitoring indicates that they are needed according to established guidelines, and treatments are made with the goal of removing only the target organisms. Pest control materials are selected and applied in a manner that minimizes risk to human health, to beneficial and non-target organisms, and to the environment.”
The goals of this City IPM policy are to:
Minimize risks to the environment, the general public and staff as a result of pest control activities conducted by City staff and contractors.
Require City departments to create, implement and periodically update written IPM programs specific to their operational needs and consistent with the U.C. definition above as well as this policy.
Promote general public awareness of written City IPM programs and education about IPM techniques.
To achieve these goals the City has established the following objectives:
Require City departments to use IPM programs.
Incorporate City IPM policies and practices into City sponsored contracts.
Require City employees to follow implementation of IPM programs.
Designate the Parks & Landscaping Superintendent, a practicing licensed Pest Control Advisor, as the City IPM Coordinator.
CITY OF RICHMOND
INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT POLICY
2 Utilize IPM standards to obtain LEED certification for City building projects.
Provide annual IPM training and outreach programs to address the needs of City departments and employees.
Adopt an IPM ordinance to support this IPM Policy.
It is understood that development of IPM programs will take time, but the following will be implemented with dispatch upon adoption of a City IPM ordinance:
Require Departments to Use IPM Programs;
The Public Works Department Facilities and Parks & Landscaping Divisions who use pest management techniques when providing services will further develop a written IPM Action Plan or program and designate the IPM Coordinator responsible for implementation with the aid of the Facilities Coordinator for building locations.
Departments which do not use pest management techniques when providing services to the public or to other departments internally will designate staff who will receive periodic training in the City IPM programs and IPM concepts. The Facilities Coordinator will be responsible for adherence with City IPM policies at designated building sites and assist with training of departmental employees as required.
Incorporate City IPM Policies and Practices in City Pest Control Contracts; Public Works will develop Pest Control Contract Specifications that will insure the City’s IPM Policy and practices are adhered to by all licensed pest control contractors performing work on City projects and maintained properties and facilities.
Develop purchasing approval practices which ensure vendors provide products within IPM standards and cause minimal risk to the environment and humans.
Limit ‘off the shelf’ purchases and impromptu applications by City of Richmond employees, tenants and representatives.
Require City Employees to follow Implementation of IPM Programs; The Facilities Coordinator will help prepare training with and provide related reports on departmental pest control activities needed for buildings to the IPM Coordinator. The Facilities Coordinator will meet with the IPM Coordinator to review any pest control activities that have taken place or are further needed and adjusted at their work sites.
CITY OF RICHMOND
INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT POLICY
3 The IPM Coordinator will provide appropriate guidance and support for training of City employees, tenants and representatives based on the latest available science of IPM practices.
Specific focus will be given to cultural controls at work sites to minimize attractions for pests and to the hazards of ‘off the self’ pesticide applications without regulated training and certification.
Designate City IPM Coordinator;
In recognition that development, implementation and oversight of a City IPM Program requires allocation of professional resources, the position of City IPM Coordinator will be the Parks and Landscaping Superintendent in his required capacity as a licensed Pest Control Advisor. The City IPM Coordinator will serve as a resource for City departments and employees to insure compliance with the City IPM policy. The City IPM Coordinator will assist department heads in identifying pest related priorities and in acquiring data to properly evaluate pest control needs and appropriate solutions.
Utilize IPM Standards to Obtain LEED Certification for City Building Projects; As an IPM policy can enable additional credit for LEED certification the City is prepared to apply IPM standards as part of a progressive program to have public buildings become ‘green’ and therefore safer for employees and the public.
Wherever a City capital building project is proposed the IPM Coordinator shall review proposed plans, specifications and materials to certify that IPM standards are built-in and thus contribute to potential LEED credit.
Where IPM standards cannot be built-in the IPM Coordinator shall work with the project manger and the Public Works Stationary Engineer’s Supervisor to identify further IPM programic activities for the site operations and maintenance that may augment a LEED credit.
Without LEED certification all attempts will be made to provide ‘green’ public buildings pursuant to this IPM policy.
An ‘IPM Action Plan for the City of Richmond Green Buildings and LEED Certification’ will be developed and kept by the Public Works Department.
CITY OF RICHMOND
INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT POLICY
4 Provide Annual IPM Training and Outreach Programs to Address the Needs of City Departments and Employees;
Training programs will be developed under the direction of the City IPM Coordinator to ensure that there is understanding of IPM techniques and of this City policy. Utilizing resources such as the U.C. Pest Management Guidelines that have been developed by the University of California Statewide IPM Program training classes on integrated pest management techniques will be developed and made available for City employees.
Public outreach programs to address environmental and health concerns will be developed to compliment the existing City IPM programs.
Training and outreach will focus on the stewardship importance of IPM for safe ‘green’ public buildings as well as protection of water bodies and watersheds through programic reduction of or authorized control of toxicants. Recognition of acceptable thresholds of ‘pest’ presence and activities will also be promoted.