environment
North Andover could ban common rat poisons
A bill would let North Andover bar two common rat poisons, including use by licensed pest-control companies. The Board of Health could still allow them for a public-health cleanup.
Massachusetts lawmakers are giving North Andover a local option to restrict two kinds of rodenticides. The bill would apply to licensed commercial applicators too, with a narrow exception for public-health remediation.
- North Andover would get local authority to ban two classes of rodenticides.
- Licensed commercial applicators would be covered too.
- The Board of Health could still approve use for a public-health remediation.
- The bill would override conflicting state law and take effect immediately.
A Massachusetts bill would let North Andover block two kinds of blood-thinning rat poisons in town, including products used by licensed pest-control companies. The town could still allow them for a public-health cleanup.
For residents, landlords and property owners, that could change what pest-control companies are allowed to use on homes, businesses and other sites in town. The ban would also cover licensed commercial applicators as defined in state regulations.
The narrow exception
The bill leaves one narrow opening. The Board of Health could still allow the products when they are needed to remediate a public health condition. Outside that carve-out, North Andover could block the applications.
It also says the local rule would override chapter 132B of the general laws and any other general or special law that conflicts with it. That is what gives the town room to set a stricter standard than the one that applies elsewhere.
No waiting period
If the measure passes, it would take effect upon passage. There is no delayed start date built into the bill.
For the town, that means the authority would be available right away. The practical result is simple: North Andover could decide for itself whether these rodenticides belong in the local toolbox at all.