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March 22, 2001 Pesticide Neighbor Notification Law Now in Effect
Democratic Initiative Protects Residents from Potentially Dangerous Chemicals Nassau County Legislator Patrick Williams (D-Uniondale) announced earlier this month that legislation establishing countywide notification requirements for commercial and residential lawn pesticide applications, which passed through the County Legislature in November 2000, went into effect on March 1, 2001. The legislation effectively signs the County onto a state law passed in mid-2000 that established uniform notification standards for lawn pesticide applications. In addition, the law requires schools and day care centers to provide certain types of notification before and after pesticides are applied on their premises. According to the legislation, 48-hour written notification of certain pesticide applications must be made to neighboring properties within 150 feet of the application. In addition, people who apply their own lawn pesticides have to flag the treated areas, the way lawn care companies already do. "This law will allow homeowners to take the necessary precautions to protect their families and pets from potentially harmful pesticides being used near their homes," said Legislator Williams, who is a member of the Planning Development and the Environment Committee. "Additionally, I hope it makes property owners more aware of the hazards of traditional pesticides and of the availability and effectiveness of safer alternatives, such as low-toxicity, nontoxic or organic pesticides." Legislator Williams further stated that residents wishing to minimize exposure to pesticides when they are being applied locally should do so by closing windows; keeping pets and children indoors; covering barbecues, pools, and outdoor furniture; bringing in children's toys, pet bowls, and laundry; and covering gardens, ornamental plants, and birdfeeders. |