I just received these review comments for this credit (we used the LEEDUser suggested policy template):
The IPM plan includes pyrethrum as a suggested treatment for flies on page seven, but pyrethrins are considered a Tier I (high
hazard) pesticide per the SF Pesticide Hazard Screening List. Further, the plan includes diatomaceous earth (DE) as a suggested
treatment for ants on page six, but it is unclear if DE is considered a least toxic pesticide. Based on internet research, the chemical
name of DE is Silica and Silica gel is listed as a Tier II (high hazard) pesticide per the SF Pesticide Hazard Screening List.
Additionally, note that on page five of the plan in the chemical controls section, the SF Reduced-Risk Pesticide List is referenced rather than SF Pesticide Hazard Screening List. The SF Pesticide Hazard Screening List contains the official list of products and chemicals that meet the Tier III Hazard Criteria and can be located at http://www.sfenvironment.org/article/pest-management/least-toxic-pestici.... As the SF Pesticide Hazard Screening List is referenced on page two of the plan under the least-toxic pesticide section, credit compliance is not affected. For future submittals, please ensure that the plan only evaluates least toxic and non-least toxic pesticides according to the San Francisco Tier III hazard criteria and the list contained in the SF Pesticide Hazard Screening List.
Michelle Raigosa
PresidentDesign Management Services
30 thumbs up
March 26, 2013 - 11:37 pm
I should also include this technical advice comment the review team provided:
Please provide a revised plan that clarifies the use of pyrethrum and DE on project sites and clarify if DE is a Tier I, II, or III pesticide. Note that because pyrethrins and silica gel are non-least toxic pesticides, they should only be used once alternative and least toxic pest control methods have been exhausted and only if universal notification is exercised for each application of pyrethrins and silica gel.
I gather the provided template policy should state that pyrethrins and silica gel should only be used once alternative and least toxic pest control methods have been exhausted and only if universal notification is exercised for each application of pyrethrins and silica gel? OR do the products need to be replaced with Tier III products?
Megan Meiklejohn
Sustainability Operations Director, East CoastHealthy Buildings
69 thumbs up
March 27, 2013 - 9:53 am
Hi Michelle,
I would use your first option: that application of pyrethrum and DE only be used once least toxic pest control methods have been exhausted and universal notification is exercised.
Michelle Raigosa
PresidentDesign Management Services
30 thumbs up
March 27, 2013 - 12:43 pm
Thank you Megan for the quick reply!
maria aurora palacio
January 23, 2018 - 11:58 am
Hi I have another question - we’ve used max force gel bait for roaches during performance period and this was noticed by the reviewer and was asking to provide 72 hour prior notifications, revision of log, verify as to whether we utilised it. I make a narrative explaining that we used it however no universal notifications since according to pesticides product evaluator tool, such products classified as non toxic or least toxic if use in an inaccessible location such in gaps and in cracks. That’s why I didn’t revise my log sheet. Would this explanation sufficient to get the credits or should I just revise the log sheet and don’t justify my usage of maxforce gel bait?
Trista Brown
Project DirectorWSP USA
449 thumbs up
January 23, 2018 - 8:14 pm
Hi Maria, you should definitely provide GBCI with a clarifying narrative about the use of maxforce. You should give as much detail as possible about the location of the application, the proximity to building users / occupants, etc so that GBCI can feel confident that it was applied in an acceptable manner. I'd also revise your log to include notes about the specific location applied to match your narrative. That way your entire resubmittal documentation package addresses the comment you received from GBCI.
maria aurora palacio
January 23, 2018 - 10:48 pm
Thank you so much this really helps.