It is urgent the City of Dubuque “Walk the Talk” on sustainability and limit the use of pesticides linked to human and animal toxicity in Dubuque outdoor public spaces.

Roundup, Glyphosate, 2,4-D and other chemicals are known human developmental toxins, hormone disruptors, and cancer-causing chemicals.  They endanger wildlife and are hazardous air and water pollutants.

• The American Academy of Pediatrics states, "Prenatal and early childhood exposure to pesticides is associated with pediatric cancers, decreased cognitive function and behavioral problems."
• The World Health Organization lists glyphosate as a probable human carcinogen. 
• The California EPA has become the first environmental agency to label Roundup (glyphosate) as being known to cause cancer and birth defects.
• Monarch butterflies, honey bees, and other pollinators are being jeopardized by the use of various landscape poisons such as “neonicotinoid” insecticides. These chemicals are banned in many countries.  Many municipalities in the U.S. have adopted resolutions to not use neonicotinoids in order to prevent colony collapse disorder. 

We, the undersigned neighbors, urge the Dubuque City Council to resolve the following: 

1.    Implement a total ban on the use of Roundup/glyphosate in Dubuque city outdoor public spaces by March 9, 2016 with exemptions for the floodwall, a shared jurisdiction, and for existing contracts. 

2.    Create healthier play zones for our children by eliminating Roundup/glyphosate and other pesticide use in the tot lot play areas of our parks and designating specific parks as “pesticide free” by March 9, 2016.

3.   Pledge to provide pesticide spraying plans online as well as onsite a minimum of 72 hours prior to any pesticide spraying so that people can make a choice to avoid treated areas with their children and pets by March 9, 2016.

4.    Develop, fund and implement an IPM (Integrated Pest Management) Program with the following resolutions by July 1, 2016

• Reduce pollution exposure risk to people and pets and endangered wildlife where there is outdoor pesticide spraying, where there may be spray drift or runoff into storm drains or creeks by irrigation or rainwater.  
• Honor the Clean Water Act laws and protect riverfront users by keeping a no-poison buffer by the Mississippi River’s edge.  Implement the least toxic way to maintain the floodwall.
• Post pesticide spraying plans online as well as onsite a minimum of 72 hours prior to any pesticide spraying so people can make a choice to avoid treated areas with their children and pets.  Keep notices posted until the treated area is no longer toxic.
• Provide transparent documentation on the Dubuque City website for all chemically related treatments done on City maintained grounds. The information should include: the dates and locations of treatments, which product(s) were used and their toxicity information, and the reason for using the chemical.  This information should also be made available by email application of notification to interested parties.
• Demonstrate that least toxic alternative pest control methods were attempted and documented prior to using toxic pesticides. This data should also be placed on the designated webpage.
• Track each separate pest management program and report annually how efforts are being made to phase out poisons and utilize effective, least toxic alternatives.
• Adopt a list of approved, limited, and restricted pesticide categories and procedures so that city employees and/or contracted workers will not use unnecessarily hazardous chemicals in areas where people and pets are likely exposed.  
• Support increased awareness of and respect for chemically sensitive/injured individuals as part of a more inclusive, ADA compliant Dubuque by creating several completely pesticide free parks.

Many cities have pesticide-free zones and Integrated Pest Management Policies with an approved/limited/restricted list of chemicals.  They have implemented them with great success! 

Let the City of Dubuque know you would like our city to join this movement for healthier, safer and more inclusive communities.

Help us reduce the risk of cancer, autoimmune diseases, and other illnesses by starting in the place we love and call home.

Please e-mail DBQPoisonFreeParks@yahoo.com or join our grassroots campaign on Facebook (DBQ Poison Free Parks).