 Registration Criteria for Pesticide Notification
Previous Day Notification
Notification occurs by phone the day prior to spray operations occurring and a specific time is not provided; leaving a message on an answering machine or voice mail will constitute notification.
Same Day Notification
Notification occurs 15 to 30 minutes prior to spray operations, or more time if possible. This provides registrants with the most accurate idea of when spray applications will be taking place. Some spray companies recommend same day notification, as spray activity is weather dependent and if you are notified the previous day, there is potential that wind and rain events could postpone application for 2 or more days
Privacy Provisions
Property owners who give their consent to register must provide personal information such as their name, address and telephone number. Their personal information will be supplied in confidence to commercial spray operators for the express purpose of property owner notification. The registry will be in compliance with the “Freedom of Information and Privacy Act”.
Exemptions
Agricultural lands are exempt from the notification process.
There are a number of pesticides classified under the BC Integrated Pest Management Act as excluded pesticides, including such products as acetic acid (vinegar), fatty acids, domestic and commercial soaps and domestic mineral oils for insect and mite control (eg: dormant oil); these pesticides will be exempt from notification, as excluding them “will not increase the risk of unreasonable adverse effects from their use,” as outlined by the province.
To review the complete list of excluded pesticides, view Schedule 2 of the Ministry of Environment's Integrated Pest Management Act Regulations (2004) at the following web site: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/epdpa/ipmp/index.html
Background
In 2004, the Registry was developed by City staff and the Interior Environmental Pest Management Association (an organization of commercial sprayers). The spray operators notify all registrants prior to any spray operations taking place on abutting properties. Notification only applies when commercial spray operators are applying pesticides to residential properties, and is not applicable if a resident or neighbouring agricultural property is applying the pesticides.
The program is voluntary for commercial spray operators and is designated for residential properties.
The prudent use of chemical sprays is both a health and an environmental concern; all materials used are regulated and must only be applied by certified operators. Approximately 8,000 residential customers in Kelowna use the services of commercial spray companies.
The Notification Registry was endorsed by City Council in November 2003 to provide a level of comfort to residents concerned about spray applications. It was re-approved by Council to continue in 2005.
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