For Immediate Release: September 15, 2004
Contact: Lisa Fasano 415-947-4307
Press Office Main Line: (415) 947-8700
SAN FRANCISCO The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency last week cited a pesticide dealer $3,850 for improperly distributing and selling a restricted use pesticide to a non-certified applicator, a violation of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act.
The EPA cited Salt Lake City-based Steve Regan Company for allegedly distributing and selling Diazinon 4F/AG500 to Whipple Pest Control, a non-certified applicator in Mesquite, Nev.
Diazinon 4F/AG500, a restricted use pesticide, is used to control insects in agricultural crops and other plants. The EPA regulations specify that restricted use pesticides can only be applied by a certified applicator, or by a person supervised by a certified applicator.
"Restricted use pesticides must be handled carefully in order to protect the users and the environment," said Enrique Manzanilla, director of the EPA's Cross Media Division. "Companies selling these chemicals must make sure that they do not fall into inexperienced hands."
The EPA classifies certain pesticides that present significant human health or environmental hazards as restricted use pesticides. In order to minimize risks to human health and the environment, the EPA requirements limit the use of restricted-use pesticides to trained applicators. The EPA regulations outline specific certification and training requirements necessary to qualify applicators to use these types of pesticides.
Nevada Department of Agriculture inspectors discovered the violations during an inspection of the Whipple Pest Control facility in March 2003.
For more information on pesticides visit: http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/
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