The Portland, Maine, city council passed an ordinance prohibiting the use of synthetic pesticides citywide on public and private properties, with few exceptions.

The ordinance will go into effect on July 1, 2019, and the estimated cost is currently at $700,000, which would include replacing turf on athletic fields, buying new equipment and hiring more city employees. It also calls for educating residents on lawn improvement and pest management.

Portland Protectors, a grassroots group, has lobbied for a ban on synthetic pesticides for many years. Their goal was to make Portland an "organic city."

The council vote was unanimous, and approved two amendments to the ordinance, one of which was a delay for implementation.

The ordinance grants delays to five high-use athletic fields and Riverside Golf Course, who will remain exempt until 2021.

Exemptions will be handled on a case-by-case basis. The city council will ensure to protect natural resources and public health.