Portland committee grants herbicide waiver for Peaks Island knotweed

The Legislative/Nominating Committee unanimously approved a waiver for a Peaks Island property owner to apply herbicides to control invasive Japanese knotweed that is damaging the home's septic system and foundation. The committee also voted to authorize staff to petition the state plumbing board for a rule change that would allow restaurants to expand outdoor seating without adding permanent restrooms.

Key points

• Staff recommended the waiver after finding that the applicant met all four statutory criteria, including demonstrating an emergency threat to public health and safety.
• Councilor Kate Sykes initially moved to limit the waiver to knotweed only, arguing that the application lacked sufficient documentation of non-chemical mitigation efforts for honeysuckle and bittersweet.
• Sykes withdrew her amendment after the applicant and staff explained that the invasive species are intertwined and that the woody plants on the septic field pose an immediate hazard.
• The applicant, Mr. Lansman, stated that mechanical removal is difficult due to the property's location on an island and the presence of ledge and rock.
• The committee voted unanimously to approve the waiver as presented, allowing for the treatment of knotweed, honeysuckle, multiflora rose, and Asiatic bittersweet.
• The committee voted unanimously to authorize staff to submit a petition to the state plumbing board regarding restroom requirements for seasonal outdoor dining.

Next steps

• Staff will prepare and submit a petition to the state plumbing board by the end of July for a hearing in August.
• The Mayor will follow up with Councilor Regina Phillips regarding the status of ordinance changes related to the waiver process.

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