Portland committee delays vote on allowing Acelepryn for grub control after Cheverus presentation

At a virtual meeting of Portland’s Environmental Land Care Advisory Committee (ELMAC), staff presented a proposal to amend the city’s pesticide ordinance (Chapter 34) to allow the reduced‑risk insecticide Acelepryn (active ingredient chlorantraniliprole) for grub control on athletic fields when applied by a licensed applicator according to the product label.

The change drew a detailed presentation from Cheverus High School and its turf contractor, who said persistent grub infestations have left playing surfaces unstable and created a safety risk for student athletes. Michael Komich, senior vice president for finance and operations at Cheverus High School, told the committee that the school had documented “extensive damage to the fields” and was “very concerned about the liability of continued grub infestation,” saying “we feel it's only a matter of time before a serious injury results.” Robert Vickerson, president of SportsFields, Inc., said the product could be applied granularly or as a liquid and that granular application “is also probably the least, scary for the general public.”

Troy (staff) framed the staff recommendation: after…