Pesticide Reduction Program

Pesticide Reduction Program

APCC has initiated the first step in a program to reduce the use of pesticides across Cape Cod. The Cape’s sensitive water resources are particularly vulnerable to potential impacts from different forms of contamination, including contamination from the application of pesticides. Before an education and outreach campaign begins, an effort is underway to better understand the types and amounts of pesticides used in the region by businesses and residents.

This summer APCC conducted a literature review of pesticide use across the country. The review revealed a wide discrepancy in published reports on rates of use and on the list of products being studied. One general conclusion was reached: most people do use pesticides in some form, although many reports failed to provide important details such as distinguishing between indoor and outdoor uses. For this initial phase of the project, APCC and our regional project partners are considering conducting an anonymous survey in the coming year, the intent of which is to encourage a more open response to questions about pesticide use in the region.