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Utah company cited for violating federal pesticide laws in Nev.

Release Date: 04/06/2006
Contact Information: Lisa Fasano, (415) 947-4307

SAN FRANCISCO (April 6, 2006) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today cited Intermountain Farmers Association $5,200 for improperly distributing and selling a restricted use pesticide to a non-certified applicator, a violation of federal pesticide law.

The EPA cited the Salt Lake City-based association for allegedly distributing and selling Fort Dodge Gopher Bait to a non-certified applicator in Yerington, Nev.

"Restricted use pesticides must be handled carefully in order to protect the users and the environment," said Enrique Manzanilla, director of the EPA's Communities and Ecosystems Division for the Pacific Southwest region. "Companies selling these chemicals must make sure that they do not fall into inexperienced hands."

Fort Dodge Gopher Bait, a restricted use pesticide, is used to control pocket gophers underground in rangeland, pastures, and nonagricultural areas. 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, certified 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 in July of the Intermountain Farmers Association store in Yerington, Nevada.

For more information on pesticides visit: https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/