| Governor
McGreevey Signs Bill to Improve Public Health in Schools
Signs Bill Requiring the Implementation of Integrated
Pest Management policies
(TRENTON) – To make New Jersey’s
schools healthier and more environmentally friendly, Governor
James E. McGreevey today signed legislation, Senate Bill
137, requiring the implementation of Integrated Pest Management
(IPM) policies at public, private, and charter school properties
throughout the State.
“Our children and our educators spend upwards of
six hours every day in school,” said Governor McGreevey,
“and we have a fundamental responsibility to ensure
that New Jersey’s school facilities are clean and
safe. Not only are we taking steps to meet that responsibility,
but we are doing so in a way that is sensitive to environmental
considerations.”
“Insects and pests in our schools pose a severe health
hazard,” said Assembly Majority Leader Joseph Roberts.
“The extermination, however, is sometimes more dangerous
to children than the infestation. A systematic IPM approach
to ridding our schools of vermin will solve the problem
while keeping kids safe.”
“This law combines education, safety and pest control
to achieve a common good,” Senator Barbara Buono said. “Our
children will be kept safe under pest control programs which
are fully explained to students and parents alike.Alternatives
to spraying are a fundamental part of any integrated pest
management program. If spraying ultimately is deemed necessary,
this law provides a solid framework for informing the community
and assuring that all necessary precautions are taken.”
“The majority of high-impact pesticides are highly
toxic chemicals that can make kids sick if inhaled or ingested,”
said Assemblymember Linda Stender. “The notification
of parents and staff allows for the option of avoiding harmful
products.”
“Chemical pesticides are often used and over-used
within our schools, and throughout school property,”
said Senator John Matheussen. “The dangers of long-term
environmental exposure to these chemicals can have a devastating
effect on our children’s health. This bill will help
protect our children’s lives.”
Senate Bill 137 requires the superintendent of each school
district, the board of trustees of charter schools, and
the principal or chief administrator of private schools
to adopt and implement a school integrated pest management
(IPM) policy for each school property.
The policy developed for each school must be consistent
with a model developed by the Department of Environmental
Protection in consultation with the Commissioner of Education,
the New Jersey School Boards Association, and the New Jersey
Cooperative Extension Service of Rutgers. The model policy
must be based upon integrated pest management plans for
schools developed by the United States Environmental Protection
Agency.
Each school will be required to designate a coordinator
to maintain information about pesticide applications on
the school property, act as a contact for inquiries about
the school’s IPM, and maintain material safety data
sheets and labels for all pesticides that are used on the
school property.
The bill authorizes the Department of Environmental Protection
to issue an administrative order against a local school
board, the board of trustees of a charter school, or a principal
or chief administrator of a private school that fails to
comply with the provisions of the act.
The Sponsors of Senate Bill 137 are Senators Barbara Buono
(D-Middlesex) and John Matheussen (R-Camden/Gloucester).
The bill’s Co-Sponsors are Senators Gary Furnari (D-Bergen/Essex/Passaic),
Joseph Palaia (R-Monmouth), Diane Allen (R-Burlington/Camden)
and Peter Inverso (R-Mercer/Middlesex).
Senate Bill 137 was substituted for Assembly Bill 2841,
which is sponsored by Assemblymembers Joseph Roberts (D-Camden/Gloucester),
Linda Stender (D-Middlesex/Somerset/Union) and Albio Sires
(D-Hudson). Assembly Bill 2481 is co-sponsored by Assemblymembers
Larry Chatzidakis (R-Atlantic/ Burlington/Camden), Linda
Greenstein (D-Mercer/ Middlesex), Reed Gusciora (D-Mercer)
and Jeff Van Drew (D-Cape May/ Atlantic/Cumberland).
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