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09-19-19 Workshop Handout- Mayor97i119 a/a4/1744.0-f Ondad-- mar For Information/Discussion A Municipal Single -Use Plastic Policy City of Orlando Policy Details: Orlando Policy 137-2: Single -Use Products on City Property Approved June 3, 2019 Purpose is to advance environmental sustainability Policy references a formal sustainability plan Single -use products includes polystyrene products, plastic straws, and plastic bags Policy requires that single -use plastic may not be sold or disbursed on City property by contractors, licensees, or permittees In recognition of those with disabilities, plastic straws may be provided on request Policy encourages the use compostable, reusable, biodegradable, or recyclable alternatives Recyclables PET #1 and HDPE #2 are encouraged (Clean & Dry) Policy includes all City -owned facilities, venues, parks and affiliated events Policy applies to contacts entered into, after effective date (June 3, 2019) Exemptions are for 1) pre-packaged, sealed food prior to receipt by contractor or permittee; 2) packaging unwrapped food items, such as raw meat, poultry, or fish; or 3) as authorized by designated city official Impact, if implemented: Adjust permitting process Placement of recycling bins Additional pick ups of recycled trash Education Signage Budget Impact unknown at this time Prepared by: Ellen Glasser July 22, 2019 1- PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) PET (#1) is one of the most commonly used plastics in consumer products, and is found in most water and pop bottles, and some packaging. It is intended for single use applications; repeated use increases the risk of leaching and bacterial growth. It is difficult to decontaminate, and proper cleaning requires harmful chemicals. Polyethylene terephthalates may leach carcinogens. PET plastic is recyclable and about 25% of PET bottles in the US today are recycled. Products made of PET #1 plastic should be recycled but not reused. flHi fi Ii 2 - HDPE (High -Density Polyethylene) HDPE (#2) plastic is the stiff plastic used to make milk jugs, detergent and oil bottles, toys, and some plastic bags. HDPE is the most commonly recycled plastic and is considered one of the safest forms of plastic. It is a relatively simple and cost-effective process to recycle HDPE plastic for secondary use. DIVISION 9. - FLORIDA -FRIENDLY LANDSCAPING AND LANDSCAPE IRRIGATION Sec. 24-178. - Purpose and intent. The Florida Legislature finds that the use of Florida -friendly landscaping and other water conservation and pollution prevention measures intended to conserve or protect the state's water resources serve a compelling public interest and that the participation of homeowners' associations and local governments is essential to the state's efforts in water conservation and water quality protection and restoration, and that Florida -friendly landscaping designs offer significant potential for water conservation benefits. It is the intent of the Florida Legislature to improve landscape irrigation water use efficiency by ensuring that landscape irrigation systems meet or exceed minimum design criteria by requiring local governments to implement regulations to that end. Ord. No. 90-10-213, § 1(Exh. A), 10-25-10) Sec. 24-179. - Florida -friendly landscaping defined. Florida -friendly landscaping means quality landscapes that conserve water, protect the environment, are adaptable to local conditions, and are drought tolerant. The principles of such landscaping include planting the right plant in the right place, efficient watering, appropriate fertilization, mulching, attraction of wildlife, responsible management of yard pests, recycling yard waste, reduction of stormwater runoff, and waterfront protection. Additional components include practices such as landscape planning and design, soil analysis, the appropriate use of solid waste compost, minimizing the use of irrigation, and proper maintenance. Ord. No. 90-10-213, § 1(Exh. A), 10-25-10) Sec. 24-180. - Definitions. The following definitions are to be used in addition to and in conjunction with those contained in sections 24-17 and 24-176 of this chapter and also chapter 23, protection of trees and native vegetation, of [the] City Code. Automatic irrigation system shall mean an artificial watering system with a programmable controller or timing mechanism designed to automatically transport and deliver water to plants. Emitter shall mean the sprinkler head or other device that discharges water from an irrigation system. High volume irrigation shall mean an irrigation system that does not limit the delivery of water directly to the root zone and which has a minimum flow rate per emitter of thirty (30) gallons per hour (gph) or one-half (.5) gallons per minute (gpm) or greater. High water use hydrozonescontain plants that require supplemental watering on a regular basis throughout the year including turf and lawn grasses. Hydrozone shall mean an irrigation watering zone in which plant materials with similar water needs are grouped together. Hydrozone plan shall mean a graphical depiction of the low, moderate and high water use irrigation zones on a lot or parcel and a general reference to the types of plants intended to be placed in each zone. Irrigation zone shall mean the grouping together of any type of watering emitter and irrigation equipment operated simultaneously by the control of a timer and a single valve. Landscaped area as used in this division shall mean the vegetated area of a lot or parcel including planted and natural areas. Low volume or micro irrigation shall mean an irrigation system designed to limit the delivery of water within the root zone. Examples include drip, micro, trickle and soaker systems. Native vegetation shall mean any plant species with a geographic distribution indigenous to all or part of the State of Florida as identified in: Wunderlin, R.P.1998, Guide to the Vascular Plants of Florida. University Press of Florida, Gainsville. Ord. No. 90-10-213, § 1(Exh. A), 10-25-10) ec. 24-181. - [General provisions.] a) Applicability. Where an automatic irrigation system is required by this Code or installed at the option of the property owner, the provisions of this section shall apply to the following. (the term lot(s) and parcel(s) may be used interchangeably.) 1) Previously undeveloped lots and the common landscaped areas of new subdivisions; or 2) Where new irrigation systems are installed on previously developed lots; or 3) When more than fifty (50) percent of the irrigation system on a lot is replaced. Fifty (50) percent shall be construed to mean more than half the length of lateral irrigation lines or more than half of the emitters. Except as set forth above, these provisions shall not be construed to require changes to permitted or properly installed existing irrigation systems or to landscaping existing as of the effective date of this division. These provisions shall also not apply to bonafide agricultural, greenhouse or nursery activities or to golf courses or athletic fields. b) Appropriate plant selection, location and arrangement. 1) Plant selection. Plants used for Florida -friendly lawns and landscaping should be based upon the plant's compatibility with existing conditions of the site including soil type, moisture and light conditions and size at maturity. Consideration should be given to drought and freeze tolerance plants, and where site conditions are suitable, preference in trees should be given to native vegetation and hardwoods that create shade. Appropriate plants are described within the Florida -friendly Plant List published by the University of Florida, Extension Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) or as may be found in other qualified sources of horticultural information. 2) Location and arrangement. A key component to saving water and promoting plant health is to group plants in hydrozones according to their water needs. Factors such as soil, climate, sunlight and salt tolerance should also guide the grouping and selection of plants. Low, moderate and high water use hydrozones are described by the following characteristics: a. Low water use hydrozones contain plants that rarely require supplemental watering and that are drought tolerant during extreme dry periods such as native shrubs and vegetation, established trees and ground covers and wooded areas. b. Moderate water use hydrozones contain plants that once established require irrigation every two to three weeks in the absence of rainfall or when they show visible stress such as wilted foliage or pale color. These are typically perennials, seasonal plants and flower beds. c. High water use hydrozones contain plants that require supplemental watering on a regular basis throughout the year. These areas include turf and lawn grasses and are typically characterized as high visibility focal points of a landscaping design where high volume irrigation is used. 3) Turf and /awn grasses. Irrigated grass and turf areas shall be considered as high water use hydrozones, and shall be located so that they can be watered using separate irrigation zones. These areas should be consolidated to locations where the functional need calls for lawn and where site conditions are conducive to the health and maintenance of grasses rather than considered as just a fill-in area. For example, despite all efforts, lawn grasses will rarely grow to be healthy and Tush under the heavy shade of a dense tree canopy which is emblematic of Atlantic Beach, while ferns, certain ground covers and low -growing native plants flourish with little attention. 4) Irrigation system design. Automatic irrigation systems shall be designed to meet the requirements of Appendix F of the Florida Plumbing Code, as adopted by chapter 6, article IV of City Code and also the requirements of section 22-39 of City Code. The following shall also be incorporated into the automatic irrigation system design: a. High water use hydrozones shall be located on a separate irrigation zone. b. High volume irrigation is limited to sixty (60) percent of the total landscaped area of the lot. For lawns and turf areas that exceed sixty (60) percent of the total landscaped area of the lot, low volume irrigation may be used as needed. c. At least one (1) moisture sensor shall be located in each irrigation zone. d. Emitters shall be sized and spaced to avoid excessive overspray on to impervious surfaces. c) Hydrozone plans. Where an automatic irrigation system is installed and an irrigation system permit is required, a hydrozone plan shall be submitted in accordance with the following. Hydrozone plans can be prepared by a properly licensed and qualified contractor or by the property owner. 1) For new single-family or two-family dwellings, or for previously developed lots installing a new or modified irrigation system per preceding paragraph (a)(3), the hyrdozone plan may be depicted on a survey or on a site plan prepared by the owner or the owner's agent indicating area(s) to be irrigated, location and specifications of particular low, moderate and high water use areas on the plan with the percentage of the landscaped area using high volume irrigation indicated. Recognizing that homeowners often install their own irrigation systems, a survey accurate hydrozone plan shall not be required in such cases, but the hydrozone plan should generally depict all hydrozones, as described in preceding paragraph (b)(2). At a minimum, high water use areas using high volume irrigation must be on a separate irrigation zone. 2) All other development, except as described by the preceding paragraph, shall provide a landscape plan as required by section 24-177. Hydrozone details may be shown on the landscape plan or on a separate sheet drawn at the same scale as the landscape plan. In addition to the landscape plan requirements of section 24-177, the hydozone plan shall delineate landscape areas, major landscape features, and plant selections and low, medium and high water Hydrozones consistent with preceding paragraph (b). 3) Prior to receiving final landscape plan approval, final inspection or certificate of occupancy as may be applicable, written verification must be provided by a properly licensed qualified contractor, or the property owner, verifying that all irrigated areas are consistent with this division. Ord. No. 90-10-213, § 1(Exh. A), 10-25-10) VISION 10. - FLORIDA -FRIENDLY USE OF FERTILIZER ON URBAN LANDSCAPES ec. 24-182. - [Florida -friendly use of fertilizer on urban landscapes.] a) Findings. As a result of impairment to the City of Atlantic Beach's surface waters caused by excessive nutrients, or, as a result of increasing levels of nitrogen in the surface water within the boundaries of the City of Atlantic Beach, the governing body of the City of Atlantic Beach has determined that the use of fertilizers on lands within the City of Atlantic Beach creates a risk to contributing to adverse effects on surface and/or ground water. Accordingly, the City Commission of the City of Atlantic Beach finds that management measures contained in the most recent edition of the "Florida -Friendly Best Management Practices for Protection of Water Resources by the Green Industries, 2008," may be required by this division. b) Purpose and intent. This division regulates the proper use of fertilizers by any applicator; requires proper training of commercial and institutional fertilizer applicators; establishes training and licensing requirements; establishes a prohibited application period; specifies allowable fertilizer application rates and methods, fertilizer -free zones, low maintenance zones, and exemptions. The division requires the use of best management practices which provide specific management guidelines to minimize negative secondary and cumulative environmental effects associated with the misuse of fertilizers. These secondary and cumulative effects have been observed in and on the City of Atlantic Beach's natural and constructed stormwater conveyances, rivers, creeks, ponds, and other water bodies. Collectively, these water bodies are an asset critical to the environmental, recreational, cultural and economic well-being of the City of Atlantic Beach residents and the health of the public. Overgrowth of algae and vegetation hinder the effectiveness of flood attenuation provided by natural and constructed stormwater conveyances. Regulation of nutrients, including both phosphorus and nitrogen contained in fertilizer, will help improve and maintain water and habitat quality. c) Definitions. For this division, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Administrator means the City of Atlantic Beach City Manager, or an administrative official of the City of Atlantic Beach government designated by the city manager to administer and enforce the provisions of this division. Application or apply means the actual physical deposit of fertilizer to turf or landscape plants, whether solid or liquid product is used. Applicator means any person who applies fertilizer on turf and/or landscape plants in the City of Atlantic Beach. Board or governing board means the City Commission of the City of Atlantic Beach, Florida. Best management practices means turf and landscape practices or combination of practices based on research, field- testing, and expert review, determined to be the most effective and practicable on -location means, including economic and technological considerations, for improving water quality, conserving water supplies and protecting natural resources. Code enforcement officer, official, or inspector means any designated employee or agent of the City of Atlantic Beach whose duty it is to enforce codes and ordinances enacted by the City of Atlantic Beach. Commercial fertilizer applicator, except as provided in F.S. § 482.1562(9), means any person who applies fertilizer for payment or other consideration to property not owned by the person or firm applying the fertilizer or the employer of the applicator. Fertilize, fertilizing, or fertilization means the act of applying fertilizer to turf, specialized turf, or landscape plants. Fertilizer means any substance or mixture of substances that contains one (1) or more recognized plant nutrients and promotes plant growth, or controls soil acidity or alkalinity, or provides other soil enrichment, or provides other corrective measures to the soil. Guaranteed analysis means the percentage of plant nutrients or measures of neutralizing capability claimed to be present in a fertilizer. Institutional applicator means any person, other than a private, non-commercial ora commercial applicator (unless such definitions also apply under the circumstances), that applies fertilizer for the purpose of maintaining turf and/or landscape plants. Institutional applicators shall include, but shall not be limited to, owners, managers or employees of public lands, schools, parks, religious institutions, utilities, industrial or business sites and any residential properties maintained in condominium and/or common ownership. Landscape plant means any native or exotic tree, shrub, or groundcover (excluding turf). Low maintenance zone means an area a minimum of ten (10) feet wide adjacent to water courses which is planted and managed in order to minimize the need for fertilization, watering, mowing, etc. Person means any natural person, business, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, limited partnership, association, club, organization, and/or any group of people acting as an organized entity. Prohibited application period means the time period during which a flood watch or warning, or a tropical storm watch or warning, or a hurricane watch or warning is in effect for any portion of Atlantic Beach, issued by the National Weather Service, or if heavy rainfall is likely. World Meteorological Organization definition of heavy rain: Rainfall greater than or equal to two (2) inches in a twenty -four-hour period. http://severe.worldweather.org/rain/, and forecast keyword "likely"). The City of Atlantic Beach Approved Best Management Practices Training Program means a training program approved per F.S. § 403.9338, or any more stringent requirements set forth in this article that includes the most current version of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's "Florida -Friendly Best Management Practices for Protection of Water Resources by the Green Industries, 2008," as revised, and approved by the City of Atlantic Beach Public Works Director. Saturated soil means a soil in which the voids are filled with water. Saturation does not require flow. For the purposes of this division, soils shall be considered saturated if standing water is present or the pressure of a person standing on the soil causes the release of free water. Slow release , controlled release , timed release , slowly available , or water insoluble nitrogen means nitrogen in a form which delays its availability for plant uptake and use after application, or which extends its availability to the plant longer than a reference rapid or quick release product. Turf, sod, or lawn means a piece of grass -covered soil held together by the roots of the grass. Urban landscape means pervious areas on residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, highway rights-of-way, or other nonagricultural lands that are planted with turf or horticultural plants. d) Applicability. This division shall be applicable to and shall regulate any and all applicators of fertilizer and areas of application of fertilizer within the area of the City of Atlantic Beach, unless such applicator is specifically exempted by the terms of this division from the regulatory provisions of this division. This division does not restrict any homeowner or residents from applying fertilizers on their landscape as they deem necessary, but they are strongly recommended to follow the guidelines included herein. This division shall be prospective only, and shall not impair any existing contracts. e) Timing of fertilizer application. No applicator shall apply fertilizers containing nitrogen and/or phosphorus to turf and/or landscape plants during the prohibited application period, or to saturated soils. f) Fertilizer free zones. Fertilizer shall not be applied within ten (10) feet of any pond, stream, watercourse, pond, lake, canal, or wetland as defined by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (Chapter 62-340, Florida Administrative Code) or from the top of a seawall, unless a deflector shield, drop spreader, or liquid applicator with a visible and sharply defined edge, is used, in which case a minimum of three (3) feet shall be maintained. If more stringent City of Atlantic Beach Code regulations apply, this provision does not relieve the requirement to adhere to the more stringent regulations. Newly planted turf and/or landscape plants may be fertilized in this zone only for a sixty-day period beginning thirty (30) days after planting if need to allow the plants to become well established. Caution shall be used to prevent direct deposition of nutrients into the water. g) Low maintenance zones. A voluntary ten -foot low maintenance zone is strongly recommended, but not mandated, from any pond, stream, water course, lake, wetland or from the top of a seawall. A Swale/berm system is recommended for installation at the landward edge of this low maintenance zone to capture and filter runoff. If more stringent City of Atlantic Beach Code regulations apply, this provision does not relieve the requirement to adhere to the more stringent regulations. No mowed or cut vegetative material may be deposited or left remaining in this zone or deposited in the water. Care should be taken to prevent the over -spray of aquatic weed products in this zone. h) Fertilizer content and application rates. 1) Fertilizers applied to turf within the City of Atlantic Beach shall be formulated and applied in accordance with requirements and directions provided by Rule 5E-1.003(2), Florida Administrative Code, Labeling Requirements for Urban Turf Fertilizers. 2) Fertilizer containing nitrogen or phosphorus shall not be applied before seeding or sodding a site, and shall not be applied for the first thirty (30) days after seeding or sodding, except when hydro -seeding for temporary or permanent erosion control in an emergency situation (wildfire, etc.), or in accordance with the stormwater pollution prevention plan for that site. 3) Nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizer shall not be applied to turf or landscape plants except as provided in subsection] (1) above for turf, or in UF/IFAS recommendations for landscape plants, vegetable gardens, and fruit trees and shrubs, unless a soil or tissue deficiency has been verified by an approved test. i) Application practices. 1) Spreader deflector shields are required when fertilizing via rotary (broadcast) spreaders. Deflectors must be positioned such that fertilizer granules are deflected away from all streets, driveways and other impervious surfaces, fertilizer -free zones and water bodies, including wetlands. 2) Fertilizer shall not be applied, spilled, or otherwise deposited on any impervious surfaces. 3) Any fertilizer applied, spilled, or deposited, either intentionally or accidentally, on any impervious surface shall be immediately and completely removed to the greatest extent practicable. 4) Fertilizer released on an impervious surface must be immediately contained and either legally applied to turf or any other legal site, or returned to the original or other appropriate container. 5) In no case shall fertilizer be washed, swept, or blown off impervious surfaces into stormwater drains, ditches, conveyances, or water bodies. j) Management of grass clippings and vegetative matter. In no case shall grass clippings, vegetative material, and/or vegetative debris be washed, swept, or blown off into stormwater drains, ditches, conveyances, water bodies, wetlands, or sidewalks or roadways. Any material that is accidentally so deposited shall be immediately removed to the maximum extent practicable. k) Exemptions. The provisions set forth above in this division shall not apply to: 1) Bona fide farm operations as defined in the Florida Right to Farm Act, F.S. § 823.14; 2) Other properties not subject to or covered under the Florida Right to Farm Act that have pastures used for grazing livestock; and 3) Any lands used for bona fide scientific research, including, but not limited to, research on the effects of fertilizer use on urban stormwater, water quality, agronomics, or horticulture. I) Training. 1) All commercial and institutional applicators of fertilizer within the City of Atlantic Beach, shall abide by and successfully complete the six -hour training program in the "Florida -Friendly Best Management Practices for Protection of Water Resources by the Green Industries" offered by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection through the University of Florida Extension "Florida -Friendly Landscapes" program, or an approved equivalent. 2) Private, non-commercial applicators are encouraged to follow the recommendations of the University of Florida IFAS Florida Yards and Neighborhoods program when applying fertilizers. m) Licensing of commercial applicators. 1) Prior to 1 January 2014, all commercial applicators of fertilizer within the city limits of Atlantic Beach, shall abide by and successfully complete training and continuing education requirements in the Florida -Friendly Best Management Practices for Protection of Water Resources by the Green Industries," offered by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection through the University of Florida IFAS "Florida -Friendly Landscapes" program, or an approved equivalent program, prior to obtaining a the City of Atlantic Beach Local Business Tax Certificate for any category of occupation which may apply any fertilizer to turf and/or landscape plants. Commercial fertilizer applicators shall provide proof of completion of the program to the City of Atlantic Beach City Clerk's office within one hundred eighty (180) days of the effective date of this division. 2) After 31 December, 2013, all commercial applicators of fertilizer within the incorporated area of the City of Atlantic Beach, shall have and carry in their possession at all times when applying fertilizer, evidence of certification by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services as a Commercial Fertilizer Applicator per 5E-14.117(18) F.A.C. 3) All businesses applying fertilizer to turf and/or landscape plants (including but not limited to residential lawns, golf courses, commercial properties, and multi -family and condominium properties) must ensure that at least one (1) employee has a "Florida -Friendly Best Management Practices for Protection of Water Resources by the Green Industries" training certificate prior to the business owner obtaining a local business tax certificate. Owners for any category of occupation which may apply any fertilizer to turf and/or landscape plants shall provide proof of completion of the program to the City of Atlantic Beach Public Works Director. n) Enforcement. The police department, the public works department, and the code enforcement officer, shall enforce this chapter. All parties are authorized to sign complaints for violation of this chapter. 1) Violations and penalties. The violation of any provision of this chapter may be punished by a fine as indicated below. Said fine will be imposed on the contractor employing the applicator or lawn maintenance worker found to be in violation. Fines will be cumulative on the contractor regardless of whether different operators are cited. 2) Schedule of fines. The following schedule of fines may be assessed in cases of violations of fertilizer application or management of grass clippings and vegetative matter requirements occurring within the city: First offense within any two-month period $ 100.00 Second offense within any two-month period 250.00 Third offense within any two-month period 500.00 Fourth or subsequent offense within any two-month period 1,000.00 Funds generated by penalties imposed under this section shall be used by the City of Atlantic Beach for the administration and enforcement of F.S. § 403.9337, and the corresponding sections of this division, and to further water conservation and nonpoint pollution prevention activities. Ord. No. 90-13-220, § 1, 1-13-14) Editor's note— Section 24-182 was added at the editor's discretion in order to maintain the format of the Code. i Secs. 24-183-24-185. - Reserved. AAdvanced Disposal Atlantic Beach Waste & Recycle Collection Service Frequenc Tons Per Month Residential Commercail current trate 15.74 per home 3.15 per yard Disposal is paid by Adavanced Disposal Future rates would go into effect on 6/1/2021 Future rate without glass 16.50 per home 3.95 per yard Future rate with glass 16.85 per home 3.95 per yard r.. _,. - ` .,. Garbage Once per week 339 Trailridge 29.87 per ton Recycle Once per week 106 Republic- Imeson 110.10 per ton Yard Waste Once per week 158 Trailridge 29.87 per ton Residential Commercail current trate 15.74 per home 3.15 per yard Disposal is paid by Adavanced Disposal Future rates would go into effect on 6/1/2021 Future rate without glass 16.50 per home 3.95 per yard Future rate with glass 16.85 per home 3.95 per yard Orgiur afaya' gem' - At 14mr, 7,1c-gdy midGmF.3 apVitTiii.witywr 2 01.1 1109 BytWIttax, Zigya,' PM re& Sea 3 Ma 1307 UV Commission, 041- Din 1306 Brittsay itere c.vommirsbngr Seat .1-D1m-1312 Sere Gercity CI. 61 keentsvp lisgt,Ficzfrwo talpu,,,, City biatierg,cv Mora; CICV-4 DExciva Attwicly 13,1 CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH Poluls.o17 19,,. 2L9 vex* Wisbard, Chief Mosquito Control DfiriSiOE I 321 Eastport Road Saei-str.vEl1e,12f... 317,1g-221 DeAr Mr. WiEhard, This i to confirm that permission is granted to the City of lacksorwille, Florida, Mosquito Control Division, to operate aerial applications withinth City of Atlantic Bea* Florida boundaries wizen 65.gaged in mosquito coniroi op atatn uthg ale period orMay 1,200 to kpi4.1 30, 2020. Thg City of Atialiric Beach requests prior notification from the Mosquito Conizoi Dhision when aerialspraying is scheduled within city boundaries. Fovide iv; notification to Mayor Ellen Glasser at eglarser@coabas id Civ Mg Sae earity, jgcnity@coab.us. El en Cilagstr Maykw Co of tAlea,31 iicativiani- Atinatic B=11. Florida 327334445 i:7i (9U4 4746 temiriffe rgrf Centers for Disease Control and Prevention j;//%/9% . CDC 24/7: Saving Lives, Protecting People"' Dengue Information on Aerial Spraying When people in a large area are getting sick or when Targe numbers of mosquitoes are found, airplanes can be used to treat very large areas with insecticides safely, quickly, and efficiently. This process is called aerial spraying. Below is more information on aerial spraying. Aerial Spraying and Mosquito Control Is aerial spraying an effective tool for killing mosquitoes? Aerial treatment of areas with products that rapidly reduce both adult mosquitoes and their larvae that carry the Zika virus can be effective. Repeated aerial applications of insecticide has reduced mosquito populations as a part of an integrated mosquito management program. Is aerial spraying alone the best way to control mosquitoes? Aerial spraying is only one part of the solution for controlling mosquitoes, but it is the one method that can rapidly reduce the number of mosquitoes spreading Zika in a Targe area. It is the most effective method when Targe areas must be treated quickly. Aerial spraying is used as part of an integrated mosquito control program to quickly reduce the number of mosquitoes responsible for infecting people with viruses like Zika, dengue, or chikungunya. An integrated mosquito control program includes o Source reduction. Eliminating mosquito habitats, such as discarded containers and rain gutters. o Structural barriers, such as screens and enclosed, air-conditioned spaces, if possible. o Larval mosquito control using the appropriate methods for the habitat. o Adult mosquito control using insecticides. o Community education efforts related to preventing mosquito bites by wearing EPA -registered insect repellents and protective clothing (long-sleeved shirts and long pants). Aerial Spraying and Insecticides How is an insecticide chosen for use in aerial spraying? State and local officials make the decision on what insecticide(s) to use for aerial spraying. The decision is based on the results of insecticide resistance testing in the target area. Is aerial spraying experimental? Aerial spraying is not experimental. EPA -registered insecticides are used for aerial spraying. EPA -registered insecticides have been studied for their effectiveness and safety when used according to label instructions. Aerial spraying, using Naled and other insecticides, has been used in many populated areas of the continental United States, including Miami, Tampa, and New Orleans, to help control mosquitoes. o In 2014, almost 6 million acres of land in Florida was aerial sprayed with Naled by mosquito control programs. Where has Naled been used? Naled has been extensively used since the 1950s and is currently applied by aerial and ground spraying to an average of approximately 16 million acres of the continental United States annually. It is also used for mosquito control following natural disasters, such as hurricanes and floods. (Human Exposure to Mosquito -Control Pesticides — Mississippi, North Carolina, and Virginia, 2002 and 2003, CDC, 2005) In 2004 and 2005, it was used as part of the emergency responses to Hurricanes Charley, Jeanne, Frances, and Katrina. Naled is currently used in the United States by many local governments and mosquito control districts, including the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District, the Lee County Mosquito Control District, and Miami -Dade County. Historically, Naled has been used in Puerto Rico in attempts to control dengue. What happens to Naled once it is sprayed? Naled starts to degrade (break down) immediately on surfaces, in water, and in sunlight. The chemical dichlorvos (DDVP) can be created when Naled degrades. It also breaks down quickly. In small quantities DDVP has not been shown to cause health problems in people. DDVP does not build up in breast milk or breast tissue. What is Bti and how does it work? Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israe/ensis (Bti) is a naturally occurring bacteria found in soils. Bti produces toxins that kill the larvae of mosquitoes and blackflies when swallowed. The toxins cause death by starvation and only begin working when swallowed by certain insects (larvae of mosquitoes, blackflies, and fungus gnats). There are several strains of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) that kill other insect larva like caterpillars and beetles. These are not the same as Bti. Can Bti only be applied through aerial spraying? No, Bti is often applied using methods that are not aerial spraying. Bti can be applied using truck -mounted or backpack spraying. It can also be found as dunks or briquettes that can be put in areas of standing water that cannot be emptied, such as fountains and ornamental ponds, septic tanks, and unchlorinated pools. Dunks are currently being distributed in Zika prevention kits. Aerial Spraying and Organic Farming Is Bti harmful to crops? Bti is not toxic to people. It has not been shown to make people sick. When used as directed, Bti can be applied safely to standing water where mosquitoes lay eggs without causing harm to food crops or water supplies. Bti is EPA -registered for use in residential, commercial, and agricultural settings. Organic farming operations use Bti. Aerial Spraying and Human Health Is aerial spraying of insecticides dangerous/harmful to human health? No, during aerial spraying, a small amount of insecticide is sprayed over an area, about 1 ounce (two tablespoons) per acre or about the size of a football field. This small amount does not pose a health risk to people or pets in the area that is sprayed. When aerial spraying is done correctly, it does not cause asthma attacks. There is a possibility that spraying of a larvicide, like Bti, can cause eye irritation if a person is outside and looking up when spraying takes place. EPA -registered products are used for aerial spraying. The label instructions are followed by a licensed professional. If people prefer to stay inside and close windows and doors when spraying takes place they can, but it is not necessary. Does aerial spraying cause asthma attacks? No, when aerial spraying is done correctly, it does not cause asthma attacks. When applied according to label instructions, EPA -registered insecticides do not pose a risk to human health or the environment. Research shows that ultra-low volume (ULV) application for mosquito control does not increase the risk of asthma for people living in treatment areas (Karpati et al. 2004, Currier et al. 2005, Duprey et al. 2008). Will Naled cause cancer? No, EPA has classified Naled as Group E "Evidence of Non -carcinogenicity for Humans," meaning that there is no evidence that it causes cancer in people. During aerial spraying, a small amount of insecticide is sprayed over an area, about 1 ounce (two tablespoons) per acre or about the size of a football field. Droplets float in the air and kill adult mosquitoes on contact. Naled starts to degrade (break down) immediately on surfaces, in water, and in sunlight. EPA conducted risk assessments for Naled and calculated risks under different exposure scenarios. Because of the very small amount of active ingredient released per acre of ground during aerial spraying, EPA found that for all scenarios and exposures were hundreds or thousands of times below an amount that might pose a health concern. In an evaluation of thousands of people who conducted agricultural spraying using many types of insecticides, including organophosphates like Naled, no increased risk of any type of cancer was found during the 7-11 years of follow up (Schinasi & Leon, 2008). However, at high doses, for example if the person doing the spraying is exposed to Naled directly in amounts that are well above those for normal labeled uses, Naled and other organophosphates can overstimulate the nervous system, causing nausea, dizziness, or confusion. This is why it is very important that those who actually work with Naled strictly follow label instructions. o Severe high -dose poisoning with any organophosphate can cause convulsions, respiratory paralysis, and death. o It is extremely unlikely that any person would come into contact with this amount of Naled when it is applied by a licensed professional according to label instructions. Will Bti affect human health? Bti has not been found to pose a health risk to people or pets. There is a possibility that spraying larvicides, like Bti, can cause eye irritation if a person is outside when spraying takes place. Bti is an EPA -registered insecticide. EPA -registered insecticides have been studied for their effectiveness and safety when used according to label instructions. Existing residential and area -wide uses, like aerial or truck spraying, have been evaluated and found to be safe. Using Bti to kill mosquito larvae may reduce the risk of getting infected with Zika virus. If people prefer to stay inside when spraying takes place they can, but it is not necessary. Aerial Spraying and Animals Will aerial spraying hurt pets and other animals? No, when aerial spraying is done correctly, it does not harm animals. During aerial spraying, a small amount of insecticide is sprayed over an area, about 1 ounce (two tablespoons) per acre, or about the size of a football field. This small amount does not pose a health risk to people or pets in the area that is sprayed. EPA -registered products are used for aerial spraying. The label instructions are followed by a licensed professional. If people prefer to bring pets inside when spraying takes place they can, but it is not necessary. Aerial spraying will not harm fish or animals that live in the water. People do not need to cover fishponds when spraying takes place. If a larvicide is sprayed, it is better if ponds are not covered. Will aerial spraying kill bees? Aerial spraying can be done in ways that minimize risk to bees. Spraying Naled can kill bees outside of their hives at the time of spraying; therefore, spraying is limited to dawn or dusk when bees are inside their hives. Because Naled breaks down quickly, it does not pose a risk to the honey bee populations. o Studies show that honey production between hives in treated and untreated sites did not show significantly different quantities of honey over the course of a season. o For additional protection, urban bee keepers inside the spray zone can cover their hives when spraying occurs. Although significant exposure to bees would not occur with Naled application at dawn and dusk, beekeepers can reduce potential exposure to bee colonies even more by covering colonies and preventing bees from exiting during designated treatment periods or, if possible, relocating colonies to an untreated site. The spraying of mosquito larvicides will not impact bees. Will aerial spraying kill birds or other animals? No, when aerial spraying is done correctly, it does not harm birds or other animals. The insecticides used for aerial spraying do not pose risks to wildlife or the environment. Aerial spraying does not cause long-term harm to the environment or local ecosystem, even if spraying happens more than once. EPA -registered insecticides used for aerial spraying break down rapidly in the environment, and it displays low toxicity to birds and mammals. Aerial spraying will not harm coquis or fish or animals that live in the water. People do not need to cover fish ponds when spraying takes place. If a larvicide is sprayed, it is better if ponds are not covered. Will Bti affect animals or wildlife? No, Bti does not pose a risk to other mammals, birds, or aquatic life, including coqui frogs in Puerto Rico and USVI. The toxins it produces only begin working once swallowed by certain insects (larvae of mosquitoes, blackflies, and fungus gnats). Aerial Spraying and the Environment Will aerial spraying pollute water? No, when aerial spraying is done correctly, it does not pollute water. Research shows that, when applied according to label instructions, EPA -registered insecticides sprayed in low levels about two tablespoons per acre [4,046 square meters]) does not cause long-term harm to the environment or local ecosystem, even if spraying happens more than once. Will chemicals from aerial spraying contaminate soil? No, when chemicals used in aerial spraying are used correctly, they will not contaminate soil. Aerial spraying does not cause harm to the environment or local ecosystem, even if spraying happens more than once. When applied according to Zabel instructions, EPA -registered insecticides do not pose a risk to human health or the environment. More information can be found on the US Environmental Protection Agency's website. [1 Is Bti harmful to crops or water supplies? Bti is not toxic to people. It has not been shown to make people sick. When used as directed, Bti can be applied safely to standing water where mosquitoes lay eggs without causing harm to food crops or water supplies. Bti is EPA -registered for use in residential, commercial, and agricultural settings. Organic farming operations use Bti. Multiple Bti products are available for use. Some can be used by pest control professionals in certain drinking water storage containers (e.g., cisterns) while others are not EPA -registered for that use. Always follow label instructions. It is important to follow the label for any Bti product to ensure that the product is being used correctly. Page last reviewed: May 3, 2019 Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID), Division of Vector -Borne Diseases (DVBD)