Pesticide Use Won’t Be Permitted In Chatham Recreational Areas

CHATHAM, NJ — The Chatham Township Committee plans to adopt an ordinance at its Thursday night meeting that will disallow the use of most pesticides at township-owned recreational areas.

Up for passage at the first in-person meeting since the COVID-19 pandemic, the ordinance was introduced on May 27 at the township's last virtual meeting.

The ordinance stresses the impact most pesticides can place on immune systems of children, pregnant women, senior citizens and individuals with compromised health.

“Pesticides,” ordinance 2021-15 also states, “are harmful to pets, wildlife including threatened and endangered species, soil microbiology, plants and natural ecosystems.”

Additionally addressed is the potential pollution from pesticides via runoff to streams, lakes and drinking water.

Pesticides will only be used, according to the ordinance, “if an emergency public health situation” is the reason for an application. Otherwise, the township plans to adopt an “Allowed Materials List” of “least-toxic” pesticides and focus on “non-chemical methods of weed and pest prevention and management.”

The ordinance, however, does not prevent Morris County pesticide-spraying, such as when the county treats areas for mosquitos.

In other business, for Thursday night’s return to an in-person meeting format:

• The Committee plans to recognize Pride Month.
• Former Mayor Abbie Fair will be remembered during the meeting.
• A discussion is planned about Morris County trails grant applications.
• Among the resolutions up for adoption is 2021-175, which confirms affordable housing is needed in the township. The resolution permits sponsor Chatham Family Apartments LLC to build a 62 unit - including a non-income-restricted superintendent’s apartment - affordable housing rental complex on a 3.35-acre tract, with a property tax exemption, at 522 Southern Boulevard. Chatham Family Apartments will be permitted, upon adoption of this resolution, to finance, construct, operate and manage the complex, per the terms of the resolution and New Jersey Housing Mortgage Finance Agency Law.

Questions or comments about this story? Contact me at: jennifer.miller@patch.com.