 National Association of Counties * Washington, D.C. Vol. 31, No. 15 * August 9, 1999 Previous story | Table of Contents | Next story NACo presents environmental By Jill Ziegler
The second annual Environmental Purchasing Award was presented to Cape May County, N.J. at NACo’s 1999 Annual Conference in St. Louis. Created two years ago, the award spotlights counties that maintain high performance standards while promoting the procurement of products and services that minimize human health and environmental risks. Cape May County captured NACo’s award for its model Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program. The program began in 1992 when local residents approached the Cape May Board of Chosen Freeholders with concerns about the county’s use of chemical pesticides and herbicides. Chemicals in these products have been shown to cause adverse effects on humans and animals and are also associated with water and soil contamination. The Board reviewed the situation and was especially intrigued by the cost-effectiveness of environmentally sound pest management. Creation of the Integrated Pest Management Plan soon followed. The IPM Committee now monitors and identifies pests and other problems prior to selecting a specific treatment. This allows sanitation, mechanical, physical, or biological means of pest control to be attempted before harsh chemicals are used. When pesticides and herbicides are the only option, the least toxic chemicals available are applied. This approach to pest management has saved the county $45,000 between 1993 and 1998, equivalent to 25 percent–50 percent of their annual pest management budget. Jim McManimon, president of the New Jersey Association of Counties, and freeholder, Mercer County, accepted the award on behalf of Cape May and is hopeful that such programs can be implemented statewide. For more information on NACo’s Environmental Purchasing Project, see the County Services Department (CSD) news column in this edition. |