Via this communication, EPSD is conforming to the legal responsibilities in regards to an Integrated Pest Management plan (ACT 35), required notification of pesticide applications (ACT 36), and providing an overview of the district’s processes relative to IPM.
The East Penn School District utilizes an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach for managing insects, rodents, weeds and the toxic chemicals used for the purpose of controlling these items. The district’s goal is to protect individuals from pesticide exposure by implementing pest control methods that are economically, environmentally, and socially sound. Our IPM approach focuses on rendering the facilities and grounds as unfavorable habitats for these pests by removing food and water sources while eliminating their hiding and breeding places. This goal is accomplished through routine cleaning, maintenance and monitoring of the facilities and grounds to detect any pests that are present. EPSD’s pest monitoring team consists of administrative, professional, and support personnel. Pest sightings are reported through the district’s Facilities Department to the IPM coordinator. The IPM coordinator will evaluate the “pest problem” and determine the appropriate pest management technique(s) to address the problem. These techniques can include, but are not limited to, increased sanitation, modifying storage practices, sealing entry points or physically removing the pest.
Occasionally it may be necessary to use chemicals registered by the Environmental Protection Agency to manage a pest problem. These registered chemicals will only be applied when necessary. The application of these chemicals will only occur during periods when unauthorized persons do not have access to the area(s) being treated. Notices will be posted in these areas at least 72 hours prior to the application and remain posted for 48 hours after the planned application.
Parents or guardians of students enrolled in the district may request prior notification of specific pesticide applications being applied. To receive such notification, one must be placed on the district’s notification registry. To be placed on the district’s notification registry, please contact the East Penn School District Facilities Department, 800 Pine Street, Emmaus, PA 18049 via a signed letter indicating your child’s name, address, home phone number, and the school your child attends. Please include your email address if you would like to be notified electronically.
The notification registry will be updated at the beginning of each school year.
In the event a chemical application must be made to control an emergency pest problem, notice will be provided by telephone to registered individuals. Exemptions to this notification include disinfectants and antimicrobial products, self-containerized baits placed in areas not accessible to the public, and gel type baits placed in cracks, crevices or voids.
If you have any questions, please contact the Facilities Department at 610-966-8328.