Hallowell to form working group to hash out details of restrictions on synthetic pesticides, fertilizers

HALLOWELL — A controversial land maintenance ordinance, which aims to restrict the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers on public and private lands, will be under the microscope in the coming weeks.

According to Councilor Ryan Martin, town officials are planning to put together a working group of councilors and residents on both sides of the issue to try and find a middle ground.

“Hallowell is growing rapidly, and we are witnessing a rapid development. Naturally, there are concerns about how that development puts pressure on our resources. This group will discuss and address all concerns and come to a healthy conclusion for all sides,” said Martin.

The working group will include Martin, along with Councilors Peter Spiegel and Berkeley Almand-Hunter.

“This is to bring together concerned citizens on both sides and decide where the ordinance will end up,” said Spiegel.

Two residents in support and two against the ordinance will be a part of the group. The members will mediate and decide on a mutually agreed outcome. Mayor George Lapointe will also attend the first meeting.

The ordinance was first introduced to the council in August 2023, and was later tabled following a close vote, after residents and officials shared concerns about the town’s authority and plans to enforce it.

Martin, who is a licensed pesticide applicator and has taken the lead on the issue, is expected to be the chair of the group upon its inception, though that hasn’t been confirmed yet.

The ordinance has been the subject of multiple workshops and public hearings attended by several residents. During one of the recent workshops, Martin suggested various amendments to the ordinance which are yet to be voted on and approved by the council.

The proposed amendments look to exempt food production and invasive plants and insects from the ordinance and require water quality testing. Suspending the ban on fertilizers until more local water pollution data is collected is also a major amendment that has been proposed.

“Pesticides have got the potential to be a health issue while fertilizers don’t have risks as bad as pesticides. Removing the fertilizers restriction will soften the ordinance significantly,” said Martin.

There are also questions about the role of the Conservation Commission in enforcing the ordinance which are expected to be addressed.

Though the work group has not been formed yet, officials are “hoping to get the group members finalized by 4th of July.” Martin also noted that the group will be expecting some assistance from state regulators as the process goes on.

“I am a thoughtful supporter of the latest version of (the land maintenance ordinance), as it has the potential to improve public health and enhance our region’s soil/water quality by reducing the use of cosmetic pesticides in our community,” said Martin. “It will require sacrifices from some members of our community, which I don’t take lightly, but we must do what we can to reduce the prevalence of harmful chemicals in our community. I look forward to its eventual passage.”