Media Room

News Release

HRM Working Hard to Process Spray Permit Applications

(Wednesday, August 20/2003)-- Due to the worst infestation of chinch bug in the municipality during the past 10 years, Halifax Regional Municipality is taking immediate steps to help shorten the processing time for the issuance of pesticide permits.

Brad Anguish, Director of HRM's Environmental Management Services, said today "We are pleased that so many citizens want to comply with the new Pesticide By-law, but unfortunately, we are experiencing a backlog in processing because HRM is in the midst of one of the worst infestations of chinch bug in recent years."

Mr. Anguish said "HRM recognizes there is a delay issue and we are taking immediate measures to resolve that difficulty. We appreciate the patience and understanding many of our citizens have shown on this matter."

Effective today:

• lawn maintenance\landscape companies will be permitted to prepare and submit spray permit applications on behalf of the property owner. However, the application must be signed by the property owner.
• HRM will also accept and process completed permit applications that are mailed or faxed to any HRM Customer Service Centres. Fax: 490-7117.
• blank permit applications may be obtained from HRM via fax by calling 490-6028.
• As always, applications may be obtained via the HRM website at www.halifax.ca, at all HRM Customer Service Centres or via mail out by calling the HRM Corporate Call Centre at 490-4000.

HRM has received more than 3,000 applications to spray from property owners this summer, largely due to the chinch bug-- an insect that feeds on grass roots, resulting in brown dead patches on lawns.

Mr. Anguish said " HRM staff and Clean Nova Scotia, who carries out the property inspections for the municipality, have been working diligently to process these applications as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, Mother Nature is working ahead of us and it's been difficult to keep up."

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Brad Anguish
Director, Environmental Management Services
(902) 490-4825