European Chafer Outreach and Education Strategy and Bylaw Amendment Related to Water Shortage Response Plan Bylaw No. 3701, 2005

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1 CoQuitlam For Council Junes, 2015 Our File: 11-56OO-05/OOO/2015-I Doc#: V2 To: From: City Manager General Manager, Engineering and Public Works Subject: For: European Chafer Outreach and Education Strategy and Bylaw Amendment Related to Water Shortage Response Plan Bylaw No. 3701, 2005 Council Recommendation: That Council give first, second and third readings to the Water Shortage Response Plan Amendment (Nematodes) Bylaw No. 4567, Report Purpose: To provide a summary of the current outreach initiatives on managing the European Chafer, and to seek Council's endorsement of the proposed amendment to the Water Shortage Response Plan Bylaw No. 3701, Strategic Goal: This report supports the corporate strategic goal of enhancing sustainability of City services and infrastructure, and achieving excellence in City governance. Background: The European Chafer beetle is an invasive species that was first identified locally in New Westminster in Chafer beetles have since spread throughout the Lower Mainland, including the Tri-Cities. Chafer beetle larvae (also known as grubs) dwell in the soil layer and feed on grass roots and cause damage to lawns. However, the major damage is caused when animals such as crows, skunks and raccoons dig up lawns to uncover and feed on Chafer grubs. In addition to private properties. City lands have also been affected by the presence of Chafer beetles. In March 2015, Council received a report from the Parks, Recreation & Culture (PRC) Department which advised that approximately 8% of City parks and civic facility landscapes have sustained

2 Page 2 Junes, 2015 damage due to Chafers. The report indicated that most of the damage to City-maintained turf occurred in the western and central neighbourhoods, with very little damage to Westwood Plateau or Northeast Coquitlam. The PRC staff will be remediating thedamage to City lands using a variety of options, including irrigation, nematode treatments or enhanced turf maintenance depending upon the extent of the damage and the type of site. Discussion/Analysis: European Chafer Outreach and Education Strategy In response to increased public concerns and interest in controlling Chafer beetle infestations, staff have collaborated with the Cities of Port Moody and Port Coquitlam to develop a communications plan to promote consistent messaging across the Tri-Cities area. The plan focuses on three main themes; how to check for Chafer beetle grubs in a lawn, how to properly apply nematode treatments to control infestations and how to maintain a healthy lawn to defend against Chafer beetles. Through the collaborative efforts of Tri-Cities' staff a variety of new communication pieces have been developed and brochures and web content have been updated to present common messages. Some examples of these items and their method of delivery are listed below and shown in Attachment A: Floor graphic to be displayed at City Hall Pop-up banner to be displayed at local outreach events Three short "how to" videos related to identifying and controlling Chafer beetle infestations (refer to: European Chafer brochure that includes an enhanced calendar on year-round lawn care and Chafer beetle life cycle Monthly ads in the local newspaper released from April to October Transit shelter ads, information bulletins, and online social media released from April to October y Proposed Water Shortage Response Plan Bylaw Amendment To effectively control Chafer beetles, pest management and landscape professionals consistently recommend applying nematode treatments (a biological control) to lawns in late July, when the grubs are in the most File #: /000/ Doc #: V2

3 Page 3 June 8, 2015 vulnerable stage of their life cycle. In addition, lawn care professionals stress that maintaining a healthy lawn throughout the year is the best defence against further Chafer beetle infestation. The use of chemical insecticides to control Chafer beetles is not permitted under the City's Pesticide Use Control Bylaw No. 4254, To maximize the success of nematode treatments, lawns must be thoroughly watered prior to the application of nematodes and must be kept moist for about two weeks afterwards. Sufficient watering enables the nematodes to move through the soil to seek out the Chafer grubs. Since the timing of nematode treatments occurs when lawn sprinkling restrictions are in effect, staff proposes to amend the City's Water Shortage Response Plan (WSRP) Bylaw No. 3701, 2005 to create a new water exemption permit that facilitates nematode treatments. The permit would allow residents to water the area of lawn treated with nematodes outside of the restricted lawn sprinkling times over a 3 week period. To make the process as convenient as possible, an online permit application form has been developed (refer to Attachment B of this report), and a permit fee would not be charged. To be eligible to apply for this permit, a resident would be required to supply proof of purchase of nematodes. Up to one renewal of the permit may be available upon request. To facilitate the effectiveness of nematode treatments for the purposes of controlling Chafer Beetle infestation, staff recommends that Council give first, second and third readings to the proposed Water Shortage Response Plan Amendment (Nematodes) Bylaw No. 4567, 2015, which is attached to this report as Attachment C. Financial Implications: Funding for the Chafer beetle outreach and education strategy is provided through the existing pest management budget within the Environmental Services Division. The Water Conservation Program is an annual program funded through the Water Utility. Conclusion: This report provides information on the collaborative efforts of Tri-Cities' staff to improve and enhance the outreach and education components regarding European Chafer beetles. In addition to comprehensive outreach File#; /000/ Doc#: v2

4 Page 4 June 8, 2015 strategies, the proposed amendment to the Water Shortage Response Plan Bylaw No. 3701, 2005 will clarify the requirements of the Water Exemption Permit for nematode treatments. Staff recommend that Council give first, second and third readings to the Water Shortage Response Plan Amendment (Nematodes) Bylaw No. 4567, Attachments: A. Chafer beetle outreach and education items B. Application for Nematode Water Exemption Permit C. Water Shortage Response Plan Amendment (Nematodes) Bylaw No. 4567, 2015 This report was prepared by Environmental Services staff and reviewed by Kathleen Reinheimer, Manager Parks and Steffanie Warriner, Manager Environmental Services Division. File#: /000/ Doc#: v2

5 CITY OF P#RT COQUITLAM CoQuitlam ATTACHMENT A Page 1 City of the Arts PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT ACT NOW TO ADDRESS CHAFER BEETLE DAMAGE The European Chafer beetle is here to stay, but Tri-City residents can minimize the damage and once again be proud of their lawns by changing how they care for their grass - starting now. Birds and animals are tearing up more and more lawns digging for beetle larvae, prompting the cities of Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam and Port Moody to come together this spring with a joint communications campaign to help residents reclaim their yards. The new resources provide residents with effective prevention and control options, including a year-round schedule of activities based on the beetle's lifecycle. All three cities ban the use of cosmetic pesticides and are promoting natural lawn-care techniques, posted on their respective websites: Checking for infestations Beetle larvae (or grubs) - which feed on grass roots and are a tasty meal for birds, raccoons and skunks - are typically active from July to March. They are smaller than a dime, with brown heads and white, C-shaped bodies. January to March is the ideal time to check for active grubs, as by April and May, they have moved into the resting (pupa) and adult stages. However, residents can still check now for infestations by looking for fresh lawn damage (tornup grass and overturned clumps of sod) that occurred in recent months. Prevention and controi The best defense against the Chafer beetle is healthy turf, achieved through routine aerating, dethatching, fertilizing, deep watering and high mowing. Nematodes, a microscopic worm that feeds on beetle larvae, can be an effective treatment for infested lawns, provided they are properly refrigerated and correctly applied, and lawns are kept moist before treatment and for about two weeks afterwards (see the applicable city website for watering restriction exemptions). Heterorhabditis bacterlophora is the recommended type of nematode species. From April to June, residents are advised to: Aerate lawns.

6 ATTACHMENT A Page 2 Rake over damaged turf. It is not necessary to remove damaged turf, but residents may rototill the soil if they wish or dispose of contaminated turf at Wastech (1200 United Blvd, Coquitlam) or Meadows Landscape Recycling Centre (17799 Ferry Slip Road, Pitt Meadows). Do not put contaminated turf in your green cart. Re-seed damaged areas, using a roller on newly seeded areas for a good seed-soil contact. Apply a starter fertilizer. For undamaged lawns, apply natural organic or slow-growth fertilizer. Turf experts recommend home lawns receive three to four pounds of nitrogen in a balanced fertilizer per 1,000 square foot of lawn each year. Maintain a grass height of at least 6 cm and leave clippings on the lawn to act as mulch. Water newly planted lawns frequently (daily if necessary) to keep the soil surface moist until 50 per cent of the seeds have germinated. See applicable city website for watering restriction exemptions. Once lawns are established, follow local watering restrictions and water twice weekly for a total of about 2.5 cm (depth of a tuna can) per week. Water on and off at 30-minute intervals to avoid run-off and allow the water to soak in. Pre-order nematodes from the local garden centre, for application in late July. Other prevention tips If you hire landscapers, check to make sure they are properly cleaning their tools to avoid contamination. If you purchase topsoil, you may want to ask the vendor how they ensure their soil isn't contaminated. Consider replacing turf with low-maintenance, broad-leaved plants such as Dutch white clover, brass buttons, Irish or Scotch moss, little star creeper, creeping thyme, goldmoss stonecrop or microclover. Chafer beetle information Visit the city websites above for information about other stages in the Chafer beetle lifecycle, recommended year-round lawn care activities, nematode treatment, and lawn sprinkling information. In the coming weeks, videos will be posted and printed information will be available at city facilities and at city events. CONTACT: Pardeep Purewal Kathleen Vincent Rosemary Lodge Manager, Communications Manager, Corporate Manager of Civic Affairs - & Administrative Services Communications Corporate Services City of Port Coquitlam City of Coquitlam City of Port Moody purewalp@portcoquitlam.ca kvincent@coquitlam.ca rlodge@portmoody.ca ###

7 ATTACHMENT A Page 3 A healthy lawn is your best defence against Chafer beetles. Get tips on effective treatments & alternative landscaping online at Coouitlam CITY Of P0KT COQUriLAM

8 ATTACHMENT A Page 4 i * ItefimiptMi OoArtaiefefeM ImsllKlmcf pift Iff IviK ^i^ o0ilttfwlrof9nbfh,raish9 solibsdbbaiv to laifij; rnxrmnmifmbia^ Ouftrbmlkdamm^^^ imtoriif ocmfitfei <hwi fiptocff/ fontoffciotov fbearifhat. * Ar«you romoving lurf? Do not put it in your groon cart. In tea4 dispose of rt at Vi'astech (1200 Untted Blvd, Coquitlam) or Meado/dS Landscape Recycling Centre (17799 Ferry Slip Rd, Pitt Meadov/s) M Watch great videos and get more Info on managing Chafer beetles at your City's website wwwxoquitlamxa/chiffli'btcii* www4)ortcoquitiam<ca/chaf«rb«irtl* www^portmoodyxa/chafarbaatla CoQuitiam C i r «4 * OOQimAM

9 CoQuitlam City of Coquitlam Application for Nematode Water Exemption Permit ATTACHMENT B Engineering & Public Works 3000 Guildford Way, Coquitlam BC V3B 7N2 P: E: epw@coquitlam.ca Instructions: Please the completed form along with your proof of nematode purchase (e.g. a photo or copy of your receipt) to waterconservation@coquitlam.ca Please allow 3-5 business days to process your application. Applicant Information Name: Last Name Civen Name Company (if applicable): Property Address: Street Name City Province Postal Code Phone: If you are not the property owner, please provide the owner's name and contact information: Owner(s) Name: Owner(s) Phone: Owner(s) Nematode Treatment Details General location of the nematode treatment at the property (e.g. front yard, boulevard, etc): Approximate area of lawn treated with nematodes (in square feet): Permits will be ed by default. Please check the box below if you wish to pick up your permit in person: Pick up in person at Engineering Customer Service, City Hall (you will receive notification when the permit is ready for pick up). Reminders: Your nematode water exemption permit applies only to the area(s) on your property receiving nematode treatment. Upon receiving your nematode water exemption permit, the permit must be displayed at the front of the property and visible from the curb and/or sidewalk. If there are any questions regarding your application, you can waterconservation@coquitlam.ca or call Engineering Customer Service at For more information on how to properly apply a nematode treatment, please visit coquitlam.ca/chaferbeetle. / am consenting to the voluntarily collection and use of my personal information in accordance with Section 26(d) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. I understand that the information provided by me wiii be used solely for the purpose of the City's Water Exemption Permit Program and that my personal information will not be used for any other purpose. If you have any questions about the collection, storage, correction and/or use of your personal information please contact the City's Water Conservation Coordinator, 3000 Culldford Way, Coquitlam ( ).

10 ATTACHMENT C *1 I City of Cofluitlam COQUltldm BYLAW WHEREAS: BYLAW NO. 4567, 2015 A Bylaw to amend Water Shortage Response Plan Bylaw No. 3701, 2005 A. Council of the City of Coquitlam ("Council") has previously enacted Water Shortage Response Plan Bylaw No. 3701, 2005 (the "Water Shortage Response Plan Bylaw"); and B. Council considers it desirable to implement a permitting process whereby residents may be exempted from watering restrictions when applying nematodes in order to control Chafer Beetles, NOW THEREFORE, the Council of the City of Coquitlam, in open meeting lawfully assembled, ENACTS AS FOLLOWS: 1. Name of Bylaw This Bylaw may be cited for all purposes as the "Water Shortage Response Plan Amendment (Nematodes) Bylaw No. 4567, 2015." 2. Amendments 2.1 The Water Shortage Response Plan Bylaw is amended by adding the following to Part 6: 6.6 A Person who wishes to treat their Lawn with nematodes in order to control the Chafer Beetle may apply to the City Engineer for a Permit authorizing the Person to Water the Lawn when Stage 1 Restrictions or Stage 2 Restrictions are in force, at times specified in the Permit, at the premises described in the Permit, during the currency of the Permit. A Permit does not exempt the holder from Stage 3 Restrictions or Stage 4 Restrictions. 6.7 The City Engineer, upon being satisfied that an applicant qualifies under section 6.6, may issue a Permit in the form set out in Schedule "8" to the applicant. 6.8 A Permit issued under section 6.7 shall be displayed facing the street and serving the premises, beside the principle driveway from the street to the premises. 6.9 A Permit issued under section 6.7 shall expire and be of no force or effect 21 days after the date of its issue, unless the Person has been issued an extension under section File#: /4567/1 Doc#: V1

11 ATTACHMENT 0 BYLAW NO. 4567, 2015 Page Before or after the expiration of a Permit issued under section 6.6, a Person may apply for one extension of the Permit on the same terms and conditions as may be imposed under section 6.7. Such an extension shall end on or before 42 days from the date of the issue of the initial Permit under section The City Engineer may revoke a Permit issued under section 6.2 or 6.7 for any reason. 2.2 The Water Shortage Response Plan Bylaw is amended by adding Schedule "8" attached as "Schedule A" to this Bylaw. READ A FIRST TIME this [day] day of [month], [year]. READ A SECOND TIME this [day] day of [month], [year]. READ A THIRD TIME this [day] day of [month], [year]. GIVEN FOURTH AND FINAL READING and the Seal of the Corporation affixed this [day] day of [month], [year]. MAYOR CLERK File#: /4567/1 Doc#: V1

12 TEMfKJRAIW EXEMFriON FROM CURRENT VWVTER RES IRRIGATION WITH PERMITIS PERMITTID OUTSIDE OF GURRENT WA^ Nemaliode Treatment Permit Number S- S n m o. a. C n> S 00 J, ro * Permit Expiry Date vo O O ro O I-* IJD UD Permit Property Address This Permit MUST BE DISPEAyED at front of prgperty and visible from the curb and/or sidewa lk. Mx^edl... Engineering and E: epw@coquitlam.cap: CoQuitlam -1^ Ln NJ H 2 > Ln O 01 m OQ (T) H OJ O