HANOVER — Hanover officials are preparing to create a citizen committee to study fertilizers, herbicides and other chemical treatments used on municipal properties following action taken at Annual Town Meeting earlier this year.
The Select Board discussed the proposed committee June 1 after voters approved a motion directing the board to appoint a seven-member committee and report back before next year’s Town Meeting.
The original warrant article proposed spending $160,000 on a pilot program using organic products at several school properties. Instead, Town Meeting voted to refer the issue to a study committee for further review.
Board members discussed expanding the committee’s scope beyond the original article, though the final charge has not yet been approved.
“I think the committee charge is not just the article as proposed,” Chair Greg Satterwhite said. “I think it's a little bit more than that, assessing the use of synthetics at our other properties.”
Officials discussed evaluating fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides and insecticides used throughout town-owned properties rather than focusing solely on school fields.
Board member James Hoyes said the committee should examine both environmental and public health considerations.
“I think it's really looking more at environmentally responsible, safe and sustainable use, not just of herbicides, but fertilizers, insecticides, pesticides,” Hoyes said.
Hoyes also suggested including representation from the Board of Health, noting that some situations may require traditional treatment methods to address public health concerns such as mosquito-borne illnesses.
Board members discussed creating a committee that could include representatives from the Department of Public Works, Board of Health, schools, youth sports organizations and residents appointed by the Select Board.
Board member Rachel Hughes said the committee’s work should focus on identifying the healthiest and most sustainable approach rather than beginning with a predetermined solution.
“I think the spirit of the article was about being environmentally healthy, being good for our health,” Hughes said. “Organic is one of the options, but the actual purpose of that committee is trying to find more healthy and environmentally sustainable options for our fields.”
The board did not formally establish the committee during the meeting but agreed to begin seeking volunteers immediately and expects to finalize the committee’s mission and structure at a future meeting.
Officials said they want to move quickly because the committee was specifically authorized by Town Meeting and is expected to present recommendations before residents gather again next spring.
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