Portland council debates amendment to Landcare ordinance after Cheverus requests synthetic grub treatment; council retains stricter rules and sends additional—w

The Portland City Council took extended public testimony and debated an amendment to the city’s Landcare ordinance (Chapter 34) after Cheverus High School sought an exception to allow a synthetic grub treatment on its athletic field.

Cheverus representatives said the infestation had compromised about 20% of the school’s stadium turf and posed injury risks to athletes. “We are requesting equitable treatment with both the city’s Riverside Golf Courses and Hadlock Field,” said Michael Komich, senior vice president for finance and operations for Cheverus High School, referring to venues that are exempt from the ordinance. He said the school’s approved plan for an artificial turf replacement expires in November 2025 and that the first two weeks of May are the optimal treatment window for the product Acelepryn.

Speakers opposed to the change included residents, environmental advocates and medical professionals who cited risks to pollinators, marine life and long-term environmental persistence. “All pesticides are…