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Please be advised that the Town of Pelham will erect temporary road closures on the morning of Thursday, May 20, 2021. These closures will be in place during the time the helicopter is in close proximity to the road for the gypsy moth aerial spray program. Residents are encouraged to avoid walking and cycling in these areas at this time as well.
Road closures will be limited in duration and emergency vehicles will not be impacted.
Fonthill
Pelham Street: Overholt Road to Shorthills Place
Pancake Lane: Effingham Street to Woodstream Boulevard
Haist Street: Pancake Lane to Nursery Lane
John Street: Stella to Beechwood Crescent
Fenwick
Memorial Drive: Maple Street to Centre Street
Maple Street: Memorial Drive to Canboro Road
Canboro Road: Church Street to Centre Street
Balfour Street: Memorial Drive to Foss Road
Church Street: Canboro Road to Foss Road
Foss Road: Chruch Street to Balfour Street
Welland Road: Garner Street to Cream Street
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The first application of the Gypsy Moth aerial spray program is scheduled for Thursday, May 20. The exact time of the spray has not yet been determined, though it is usually at first light, and is likely to occur between 5:30-8:30 a.m.
The spray is completed with a twin-engine helicopter; residents can expect high audible levels as the helicopter completes its path.
Weather is the primary factor in the day and time of the spray. If the weather is not cooperative, the spray will not occur and the Town will update its website (www.pelham.ca/gypsy-moth) and social media pages.
Members of the public are unlikely to experience any health effects, and no special precautions are necessary or required. Individuals who have concerns should take reasonable precautions to avoid exposure during an application period of the program.
While no special precautions need to be taken, the following measures may be considered by residents living in treatment areas:
- Whenever possible, remain indoors for 30 minutes after spraying to allow for the droplets to deposit onto the tree leaves.
- Bringing laundry, toys and pets indoors before spraying begins.
- Practice good personal and food hygiene (e.g., hand washing after outdoor activities, especially after gardening; leaving outdoor shoes at the door; washing all fruits and vegetables before eating or cooking).
- Covering lawn furniture, outdoor tables, pools, BBQs, play equipment and sandboxes and/or rinsing them off with water after spraying is finished.
- Minimize opening and closing windows and doors during the spraying.
- Shutting off the heating/cooling vents or selecting the recirculate setting.
- Contacting your family physician if you are concerned that a personal medical condition may be aggravated by the spraying.
The second spray application occurs within 7-10 days of the first spray, weather depending.
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Background:
Whereas Council received Public Works Report 2021-0054 outlining the results of the Gypsy Moth egg mass surveys, management recommendations, and associated costs. This report serves to fulfill the requirements of Policy S802-03 to inform Council of the proposed spray blocks, and present the by-law amendment required to implement an aerial spray program using the biologic control agent Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies kurstaki (Btk) in and around public trees and trees on private lands within the Town of Pelham.
Analysis:
Lallemand Inc. /Bioforest (BioForest) worked in conjunction with staff to develop aerial spray blocks to fit within the available spray budget. Consideration was given to the Gypsy Moth Management Policy S802-03, as well as, the 2021 defoliation forecast, and a number of other criteria.
To allow the 2021 Gypsy Moth Aerial Spray Program to be implemented, and to allow for the aerial application of Btk to manage gypsy moth population on both public and private lands, the existing By-Law 4208(2020) is required to be repealed and replaced with By-Law 4334(2021) to include the spray blocks identified.
A key component to the overall 2021 gypsy moth management strategy is communication. Staff have developed a communications plan including print and social media posts outlining the Town’s plan and approach to managing the infestation, as well as home control methods. Bang the Table will be utilized in lieu of Public Meetings to satisfy the requirements of Policy S802-03.
As proposed in the 2020-PW-24 Gypsy Moth Services Project, BioForest has developed a Forest Health Volunteer Program with the purpose of increasing the knowledge and awareness of forest health issues in the community. The program will help build a motivated group of volunteers, and engage them in activities that assist the Town with forest health and pest management.
The implementation of aerial spray application over urban/residential areas is highly specialized. Low-level, aerial spraying over residential areas requires the use of a double-engine helicopter, as well as, federal and provincial permits. Staff have explored options for aerial spray service providers, including competitors in the rural spraying industry. Staff have confirmed that Zimmer Air Services remains the only applicator in eastern Canada with the ability to spray over urban/residential areas. As a result, it is necessary to enter into a non-competitive procurement contract with Zimmer Air Services as done in 2009, 2019, and 2020.
2021 Gypsy Moth Management Program.pdf (147 KB) (pdf)
