In the town of Carrboro, pesticides that previously fueled the growth of grass and keep away insects and rodents, have been replaced by much safer methods that send a minimal amount of toxins into the environment.
James Reese, a sophomore in turf grass management, read about the system and decided to use the topic as a presentation for his civil law class.
After impressing his class and professor, Reese will present his case to the Cary Town Council today in hopes of implementing the system, called Integrated Pest Management.
Reese said he found out that the Professional Golf Association’s Mercedes Championship used minimal toxins, and after watching the tournament on TV, he saw that the course still looked great.
“The course was in immaculate shape,” Reese said. “It showed that you can use less pesticide and still have a great product.”
Ron Campbell, Reese’s civil law professor, gave the assignment to present a law that could affect the students’ future careers.
“We have students studying a wide array of topics, so it makes for a very eclectic group,” Campbell said. “James researched his topic and found that it could be done. That stuff is the way of the future.”
The Integrated Pest Management program includes all aspects of pest management, including those found in buildings, such as rats and cockroaches and grass-killing bugs and weeds found in parks and open spaces.
George Seiz, Carrboro’s Public Works director, said he has recieved positive feedback since he took the job two years ago.
“The town had support to put the policy in place, and in general it’s been well received,” Seiz said.
One of the alternative methods of killing weeds is steam. A Hot Water Weed Controller is used to steam the plants, as anything above 140-degrees kills plants.
This method alone would save the town of Cary over $100 a month, and, according to Reese, is just one of the money-saving advantages of IPM.
“It would save them a lot of money and they would be able to allocate funds for other projects,” Reese said. “Because of the education level of Cary, the idea is just something the citizens need to be aware of.”
An IPM-type system has already been established in such cities as New York, Seattle, San Francisco and many others.
Reese said the implementation of the system would further promote the forward-thinking image of Cary.
“It would be another star for Cary,” he said. “I spoke to the person who started it in Carrboro, and he said the citizens were aware of it and were pleased with it.”
Although Reese said he is looking forward to presenting his ideas before the town council, he is also realistic regarding the chances of the town passing anything.
“They’re not going to go out and implement it right away. The idea is to get them thinking about it,” Reese said. “Those kinds of things need someone in charge and to take control of it, because you’re changing the way things have been done.”
Despite odds being against Reese, Campbell said he is still optimistic about the presentation.
“The council should at least have a response and will survey the financial feasibility of the project,” Campbell said. “It’s amazing that they’re going to listen to a college student who has the chance to change a law.”
