Ogunquit

Ogunquit residents voted Tuesday to ban the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers on private property, the second time they have taken up the issue this year.

Residents approved the ordinance last June, but that vote was voided because town officials forgot to check with the Maine Board of Pesticides Control prior to the vote, as required.

On Tuesday, residents voted 444 to 297 in favor of the ordinance.

The Maine Board of Pesticides Control says, 24 municipalities in Maine have adopted some type of ordinance that regulates the use of pesticides, but Ogunquit is the only town to extend a ban to private property.

In 2009, Ogunquit voters approved an ordinance that prohibited the use of synthetic pesticides on public land. The new ordinance prohibits the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers, except in emergency situations.

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