Oceanport, NJ-Oceanport is going greener along the path to sustainability by adopting policy resolutions that declare parks and playgrounds as "Pesticide Free Zones." and places limits on fertilizer phosphorus content. Both measures are important steps to reducing non point source pollution to waterways and protecting public health.

According to Ellynn Kahle,Council member and liaison to the Oceanport Environmental Commission, Waterwatch and Recreation Committees, the integrated pest management policy for the township identifies key sensitive areas like the parks to be managed without harmful chemical pesticides.

Integrated pest management (IPM) calls for the management of insects, undesired plants, and plant diseases with tools that are least likely to impact human health or the environment. Said Kahle, " I want to stress how it is important it is to limit our use of phosphorus in the fertilizer as most of our parks are waterfront. We have had a couple of fish kills the last few summers and the use of phosphorus fertilizers was most likely a contributor. Oceanport is one of the first Certified Sustainable Jersey Communities and our Green Team has been working hard to protect our natural resources.

I commend The Environmental Commission, the Waterwatch and Recreation Committees for their help and support in bringing this to fruition as their concerns are the water quality, as well as the playing and park areas for our residents." Kahle also expressed thanks to Borough Engineer Bill White, Public works representative Mark Hunter and local resident Mike Tober for their help and expertise that" got it all done in time for this season."

"Oceanport's actions reinforce their commitment to protecting parks and open spaces and reducing its pesticide use and fertilizer use," said Jane Nogaki, program coordinator for NJ Environmental Federation (NJEF).

"Since IPM is now the law on all New Jersey school grounds, it makes perfect sense to try to expand it to all public property as well. We're here today to help spread the word and to encourage individual homeowners to consider reducing or eliminating their own pesticide use. Controlling phosphorus levels in fertilizer and not fertilizing before heavy rains, when the ground is frozen, or near waterways is just common sense."

Excess phosphorus can leach into local waterways, causing excessive plant growth and depriving fish of the oxygen they need to survive.

"I am pleased that when residents and visitors use the parks, they will not be exposed to pesticides. That was always important to me when my children were small, said Nogaki.

The Borough of Oceanport joins 39 other communities, and is one of seven communities Monmouth, which have designated Pesticide Free Zones in parks including Asbury Park, Colts Neck, Hazlet, Neptune, Ocean, Red Bank, Wall, East and West Windsor, Irvington, Newark, Manasquan, Ocean City, Pine Beach, and the counties of Burlington and Cape May.

Many scientific studies indicate that pesticides threaten the public's health by increasing the risk of cancer, learning disabilities, asthma, birth defects, and reproductive problems. These chemicals can also poison animals, pollute local streams and rivers and seep through the ground into underground aquifers.

Every body of water tested in NJ has evidence of pesticide contamination, according to a study by the US Geological Survey. Children are especially sensitive and vulnerable because of their rapid development and behavior patterns. Currently New Jersey uses about 4 million pounds of pesticides annually for lawn care, mosquito control, agricultural production, and golf course maintenance.

"We especially want to protect children because they are closer to pesticide applications on the ground, and they are still developing and absorb more pesticides than adults," said Nogaki.

Fortunately, alternatives exists that are cost effective and friendly to the environment, simple things like hand pulling weeds, mowing at a height of 3 inches to shade out weeds, mulching areas properly to prevent weeds, planting native plants that don't get insect problems, and reducing or eliminating lawns to cut down on the need for watering, fertilizing and mowing.

"We need residents to do their part in reducing pesticides in our environment and keeping our air, water and land safe from toxic chemicals," said Councilperson Ellynn Kahle who brought the PFZ and fertilizer resolution to the attention of the town elected officials. "Residents can participate by making their own property a "Pesticide Free Zone."

Non toxic lawn care tips and "Pesticide Free Zone" ladybug logo yard signs are available by clicking here or contact Jane Nogaki, NJEF's Pesticides Campaign Coordinator at 856-767-1110 or janogaki@cleanwater.org. Natural methods of pest control are also available from Master Gardeners of Monmouth County, 732-303-7614.

Photo caption: "Oceanport Mayor Michael Mahon and Council Members accept a "Pesticide Free Zone" sign from Jane Nogaki, program Coordinator for NJ Environmental Federation. The sign will be displayed at Oceanport parks, thanks to a new policy sponsored by Councilperson Ellynn Kahle making the parks pesticide free."

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