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EPA and Larry Boyer Land and Cattle reach settlement for federal pesticide rules violations

Release Date: 12/13/2006
Contact Information: Chris Gebhardt, (206) 553-0253, [email protected], Richard Mednick, (206) 553-1797, [email protected], Tony Brown, (206) 553-1203, [email protected]

(Nez Perce Reservation, Idaho – December 12, 2006) The Seattle office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today that Larry Boyer Land and Cattle (Boyer) has agreed to pay a penalty of $774.40 in order to settle claims for two alleged violations of the federal pesticide law (the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA)) on the Nez Perce Reservation in Idaho. EPA previously issued a warning letter for a drift incident involving Boyer in 2001.

According to EPA, in July of 2005, the improper drift of pesticides occurred following Boyer’s aerial application of Nufarm Credit Extra Systemic Herbicide and AMINE 4 2,4-D WEED KILLER to fields on the Nez Perce Reservation. This drift of pesticides impacted trees and shrubs on neighboring property. The labels for these pesticides contain instructions prohibiting drift onto desirable ornamental plants and vegetation.

“It is important that users of pesticide products follow directions on labels,” said Chris Gebhardt, a FIFRA Enforcement Officer in EPA’s Regional Office in Seattle. “Ensuring proper use of pesticides on tribal reservations through tribal pesticide programs is a priority for EPA.”

Boyer avoided a more substantial fine by taking measures to prevent the drift, including spraying the perimeter of the target field in advance of the aerial application with a ground sprayer and by trying to avoid poor weather conditions. Boyer also compensated the neighboring property owner for plant damage.

Statements prohibiting drift prevent inadvertent contamination of people, plants, water and sensitive areas. Ensuring proper use of pesticides on tribal reservations through tribal pesticide programs remains an EPA priority.

For additional information about pesticides, visit: https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/

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