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Organic Fertilizers and Herbicides Study Committee

The purpose of the Organic Fertilizers and Herbicides Study Committee is to serve as a focused advisory and study committee responsible for evaluating and developing guidance and recommendations regarding the environmentally responsible, safe, and sustainable use of fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, and pesticides on public grounds within the Town of Hanover.

The Committee shall review current practices, evaluate alternative and organic treatment methods where appropriate, consider operational, environmental, public health, and financial impacts, and provide recommendations intended to support long-term sustainable grounds maintenance practices.

Final authority for the implementation, administration, and operational management of any adopted practices or policies shall remain with the Town Manager and the Department of Public Works. Any financial impacts associated with implementation shall be incorporated into annual departmental Operating Budgets, subject to appropriation by Annual Town Meeting, or through stand-alone Warrant Article(s) presented for Town Meeting consideration and approval.

The Committee shall consist of no more than seven (7) members, all of whom shall be appointed by the Town of Hanover Select Board.

The Committee shall elect a Chair and Vice Chair, both of whom shall be residents of Hanover, to organize and coordinate the Study Committee’s regular meeting schedule, oversee the Study Committee’s work program, and help ensure the timely completion of all required deliverables.

Committee Membership

  • Four (4) residents of the Town of Hanover
  • One (1) representative from the Department of Public Works as recommended by the DPW Director
  • One (1) representative from the Health Department as recommended by the CDMI Director
  • One (1) representative from Hanover Public Schools as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools

The Committee shall maintain transparency throughout its work and shall make meeting materials, reports, and other relevant information publicly available on the Town website, to the extent practicable. The Committee shall also provide regular updates to the Select Board and the public.

Deliverables

  1. A short-term recommendation outlining any immediate recommendations and/or actions by September 10, 2026;
  2. An interim report by December 7, 2026; and
  3. A final report by March 1, 2027 (or earlier if actions are necessary for town meeting approval).

Upon submission of the final report, the  Study Committee shall be automatically dissolved unless otherwise extended by vote of the Select Board.