Recognition and Awards
The SCC IPM Program has gained publicity in its uniqueness and innovation. The County IPM manager has been invited by several local national and international organizations to share program information for adoption by their management groups. A few noteworthy recognitions and awards are as follows:
Recognition by US EPA auditing team - During a cross program audit of SCC Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program, the auditing team reported: "The County IPM program was well implemented and organized. The IPM program has implemented innovative techniques for regular field activities…a model for implementing and organizing other programs."
Recognition by Board of Supervisors and Pesticide Alternatives of Santa Clara County - The County IPM manager was recognized for his outstanding contribution to the advancement of integrated pest management in Santa Clara County and the Bay Area.
California IPM Innovator of the Year, 2005 - The California EPA, Department of Pesticide Regulations recognized Santa Clara County's IPM program for its leadership and creativity in advancing the use of reduced-risk programs for pest management in urban settings. "Santa Clara County has created a comprehensive IPM program that serves as a model for other local governments," said Mary-Ann Warmerdam, DPR Director. "Beyond collaborative pest-management research and cutting-edge demonstration of reduced-risk pest management, Santa Clara backed IPM with a local ordinance and financial support, providing a foundation for continued success and setting an example for surrounding communities."
Green California Leadership Award, 2009 - Santa Clara County's IPM program received recognition for its environmentally preferable procurement (EPP) of IPM products and services. This award recognizes the County's IPM program's progressive green approach towards EPP of IPM products and services by identifying and procuring environmentally superior goods and services to reduce the environmental impact of pest management activities on County's owned or managed operations.
International IPM Symposium Award of Recognition, 2009 - At the International IPM Symposium held at Portland, Oregon, from March 24-26, 2009. Individuals or teams who have made significant contributions to the advancement of integrated pest management are chosen every three years for this award. Criteria for the award include at least one extraordinary achievement that has promoted IPM in agriculture, communities or natural areas, non-agricultural - such as schools and other institutions, recreational areas, municipalities and or waterways. "Santa Clara County's IPM Program is recognized for increasing economic benefits of IPM activities, reducing potential human health risks through IPM and minimizing environmental impacts of pest management practices."
A "Model" IPM Program - In review of municipal regional stormwater NPDES permit provision C.9, pesticide toxicity control, the California Regional Quality Control Board – San Francisco Bay Area Region has identified the Santa Clara County IPM program as a "model" IPM program. The review included C.9.a (Integrated Pest Management Policy or Ordinance), C.9.b (Implementation of IPM Policy or Ordinance), C.9.c (Require Contractors to Implement IPM), and C.9.h (Public Outreach).
PestWise Shining Star Award, 2012 - Given by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency at the 7th annual International IPM Symposium. The award recognizes accomplishments in implementing IPM principles. PESP is the Agency's premier partnership program dedicated to pest and pesticide-risk reduction through IPM. The award is based on evidence of impacts in risk reduction, education/promotion and economic benefits.
Recognition by California Storm Water Quality Association (CASQA), 2008 - The Green Gardener training outreach project of the Santa Clara Valley Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Program has been selected as an "Outstanding Regional Stormwater News, Information, Outreach, and Media Project" by CASQA. CASQA is a voluntary association and its membership is composed of a diverse range of storm water quality management organizations and individuals including cities, counties, special districts, industries, and consulting firms throughout the state.
California IPM Innovator of the Year, 2008 - The California EPA, Departmentof Pesticide Regulations recognized the Santa Clara Valley Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Program - Pesticide Outreach Workgroup for its work reducing pesticide pollution.
Recognition of Bay-Friendly Landscaping Coalition Work by Grow, California - At the 2011 Grow California Conference in Oakland, CA, the Bay-Friendly Landscaping Coalition, of which the County is a member, was recognized among the top 40 "California Clean Tech Innovators" representing the 'best of the best' in California.