WSDA Issues Fines for Pesticide Violations

The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) issued fines totaling $21,575 and imposed license suspensions for violations of state pesticide laws and rules. The violations ranged from improper pesticide application to companies that applied pesticides without the required licenses.

The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) issued fines totaling $21,575 and imposed license suspensions during the fourth quarter of 2009 for violations of state pesticide laws and rules. Fines ranged from $450 to $5,400 for incidents that involved pesticide drift and the illegal sale of pesticides. Eight of the 15 completed cases involved violations of standards designed to train and protect agricultural employees who work with pesticides.

WSDA completed investigations that occurred in Benton, Chelan, Franklin, Grant and Yakima counties. Summaries of the investigation findings and a listing of who received fines and suspensions can be found at www.agr.wa.gov.

Source: www.agr.wa.gov