The Los Angeles County IPM Alliance (IPMA)
“Helping protect the environment and natural resources of Los Angeles County through understanding of biology, and use of advanced principles of Integrated Pest Management”
ABOUT IPMA
IPMA is a newly-formed concept initially consisting of a group of employees from various Los Angeles County departments whose responsibilities, or interests, may include:
- Storm water management
- Managing a park, recreational facility, or landscaping
- Having input into the design of the outdoor areas of a facility
- Applying, or have the potential to apply, pesticides or fertilizers
- Supervising employees applying pesticides or fertilizers
- Making decisions about the use of pesticides or fertilizers
- Performing as a Certified Applicator
- Contracting where the services involve, or may involve, applications of pesticides or fertilizers
It is planned that the group will expand beyond Los Angeles County employees to include anyone else who can contribute knowledge to the group, and successfully bring information back to their organizations.
IPMA’S ORIGINS IN SURFACE WATER PROTECTION
The County of Los Angeles is a Permittee to a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit (NPDES Permit) issued by the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board to regulate Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) discharges of storm water and non-storm water. One of the conditions of the NPDES Permit is the implementation of an Integrated Pest Management Program (IPM Program) crafted to reduce the impact of pesticides and fertilizers from MS4 discharges. Among other things, the IPM Program requires the County to partner with other agencies and organizations to encourage the use of IPM. IPMA was formed to satisfy this requirement of the NPDES Permit.
IPMA’S MISSION AND PURPOSE
Although IPMA was formed to ensure compliance with the County’s NPDES Permit, its primary mission will be to maintain County departments informed and on the cutting edge of IPM. It will also be source for learning, and a forum to share experiences, successes, and even failures (we learn from our mistakes). As the group matures, it may take tours, participate in product trials, and apply for grants!
MEETINGS
Watch this space for information regarding future Integrated Pest Management Alliance (IPMA) meetings. Click here for past meeting agendas.
Future meetings will be held in the Butterfly Room at the headquarters of the Department of Agricultural Commissioner/ Weights and Measures located at 12300 Lower Azusa Road, Arcadia.
HOW TO GET MORE INFORMATION ON THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY IPMA
Contact the Los Angeles County, Department of Agricultural Commissioner/Weights and Measures, Integrated Pest Management Division at (626) 575-5462 or jhartman@acwm.lacounty.gov
