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Conservation commission asks Board of Health to back ban on second‑generation anticoagulant rodenticides on town property
Summary
Duxbury conservation commissioners presented a one‑page policy to stop using second‑generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) on town properties; the Board of Health signaled support in concept and asked for more information about alternatives and costs before formal action.
The Duxbury Conservation Commission asked the Board of Health on June 18 to back a policy that would prohibit second‑generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) on town‑owned property and encourage non‑poison alternatives and integrated pest management.
A conservation representative said the one‑page draft — largely modeled on Cambridge’s language — would commit the town to reduce unnecessary wildlife poisoning and require targeted implementation, while including a written emergency waiver the Board of Health could approve when necessary. Board members and staff said the policy as presented applies only to town properties and is intended to educate the public rather than be an immediate town‑wide ban of private use.
Karen Wong, a resident who has been reporting on the issue, confirmed limited current use: “There currently, there is eschar in use around the Harbor Master Shed, and it’s been in use for years,” and said the conservation commission’s policy could prompt the town to look at alternatives. Board members asked for more detail on mitigation options, costs, and where bait stations are now used; staff said the town’s facilities director manages pest control contracts and the town typically hires outside pest‑control companies for some locations.
The board expressed general support for the concept, with members asking conservation staff to gather more information on alternatives — for example traps, different bait stations, or non‑chemical methods such as rodent birth control and targeted hygiene and cleanup at waterfront sites. The conservation representative offered to invite the conservation administrator (Nancy Rufo) to a future board meeting to answer technical and implementation questions. The policy is expected to be presented to the Select Board next; staff said the Select Board meeting schedule may determine timing and that the Board of Health could provide a statement of support or attend the Select Board meeting.
Provenance: presentation and discussion began at SEG 272 and continued through SEG 766.
