Residential Pesticide Businesses:

Transcription

1 Residential Pesticide Businesses: Investigating the threat they pose to neighborhood health and safety. Presented by Oregon Toxics Alliance April 7, 2010

2 Location #1: On Walnut Rd. near Willamette river and greenway

3 This site is located approximately 100 yards from the Willamette river and its heavily traveled greenway. It is also adjacent to a neighborhood playground.

4 Debris and stored materials can be seen on the premises alongside children s toys. This is not only dangerous, but also illegal according to Eugene Code Section , item 4.

5 Empty containers, which are hazardous and require cleaning, can be seen on the premises. Krovar IDF (rotated 90 )

6 About Krovar - 40% Diuron, a known carcinogen that is absorbed through the lungs and stomach - Diuron is a developmental toxin that has increased impact on juvenile mammals - Diuron is highly persistent in the environment, taking years to decompose - 40% Bromacil, a suspected carcinogen and endocrine disruptor - Pesticide Action Network

7 Pesticide businesses threaten Eugene neighborhoods by increasing the likelihood of exposure to toxic chemicals. Some pathways for exposure include: Spillage that occurs during loading and unloading; Volatilization that results from mixing and long term storage of chemicals; Chemical runoff from mandatory rinsing and cleaning procedures; Contact with chemical equipment that transfers harmful residues.

8 While all residents have a right to live without the threat of toxic exposure, children deserve special consideration because they are especially vulnerable: Their bodies are developing; chemicals in pesticides can block a child s body from absorbing necessary nutrients, altering cognitive and reproductive development. A child has a weaker excretory system and therefore removes toxics less efficiently than an adult. Relative to body weight, children eat and drink more than adults, resulting in increased vulnerability to pesticides present in food and water. Children breathe faster than adults, meaning that they inhale airborne pesticides at a higher rate. Activities like playing on the floor, contacting a parent s work clothes and putting objects in their mouths further increase the likelihood of child chemical exposure.

9 Pesticides are hazardous chemicals that should not be sold or stored at quantity in residential areas. Unfortunately, this occurs in 11 additional locations throughout Eugene and Springfield.

10 South Hills Locations 1 & 2

11 Location #1 An older home nestled in an upscale development. Equipment storage and children s toys can be seen on premises.

12 Location #2 A small house located on Crest Drive.

13 Bailey Hill Area Locations 3, 4 & 5

14 Location #3 A small house on Blackburn Street. Location #4 An apartment located in the Wood Meadows apartment complex near Eugene Bible College. Location #5 An apartment on Bailey Hill Rd..

15 North Eugene Locations 6, 7, 8,9 & 10

16 University Area Location 11

17 Chemical businesses should not locate in residential neighborhoods because of their potential to create hazardous conditions.

18 Eugene Code Section Currently the Eugene Home Occupation Standards do not address chemical storage or sale in residential areas.

19 Eugene Home Occupation Standards should prohibit businesses that employ hazardous chemicals. This will: Reduce risk of chemical exposure incurred by neighbors and children Protect private property and home property values Ensure that businesses abide by applicable health and safety standards Ensure fairness and competitiveness by holding all chemical businesses to the same standard

20 Proper Business Practices Signage clearly indicates the name and nature of the business.

21 Proper Business Practices Hazardous materials are securely stored.

22 Proper Business Practices Requisite safety equipment kept within reach.

23 Many communities have already taken steps to protect residential areas from potentially dangerous activities.

24 City of Portland, OR Impact-Related Standards, Planning and Zoning, Accessory Home Occupations; item B states: Hazardous substances are prohibited, except that consumer quantities are allowed. Consumer quantities are: packaged in a form intended or suitable for consumption by individuals for purposes of personal care and household use.

25 Some communities have expressly banned pest control businesses from operating out of homes: San Jose, CA Certain home businesses are not compatible within a residential neighborhood because of the nature of the business or it's potential to create a nuisance or hazardous condition. The following activities are prohibited as home occupations: Animal breeding, firearms sales and services, pest control

26 County of El Dorado, CA There is no outside storage of materials or goods used or manufactured as a part of the home occupation. No hazardous material other than those commonly found within a residence shall be used or stored on the site No use shall create or cause noise, dust, vibration, odor, gas, fumes, toxic or hazardous materials, smoke, glare or electrical interference or other hazards nuisances. Prohibited Home Occupations Uses The following uses are not incidental to or compatible with residential activities, and are expressly prohibited: Carpentry and cabinet making; Medical and dental offices, clinics, and laboratories; Mini storage; Pest control

27 Recommendation That language be added to the Home Occupation Standards that better guards against potentially hazardous practices such as the storage and sale of pesticides.

28 Example There shall be no storage of hazardous materials as a part of the home occupation. No use shall create or cause hazards due to toxic materials, odor, gas, fumes, smoke, glare, noise, dust, vibration, electrical interference or other nuisances.

29 What Lane County Can Do Contact city officials and request the adoption of an amendment to the Home Occupation Standards Require that rurally located pesticide businesses : Protect wells and surface water Ensure that chemicals are properly stored Employ proper containment and run-off catchment techniques Take special precaution for adjacent residences, schools and parks