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EPA cites company for improper sale and distribution of pesticide Violations discovered at Las Vegas facility

Release Date: 9/30/2003
Contact Information: Laura Gentile, Press Office, 415/947-4227

     SAN FRANCISCO - Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency fined Univar USA, Inc., a company based in Kirkland, Washington, $10,450 for improperly distributing and selling a restricted use pesticide, in violation of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act.

     The EPA cited the company for distributing and selling a restricted-use pesticide from its Las Vegas facility to a non-certified applicator in Las Vegas.

     The company was cited for distributing and selling Avitrol Whole Corn, which is used to control pigeon infestation, to All Pro Pest Control, a non-certified applicator.  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 EPA's Cross Media Division.  "Companies must ensure these products are being sold to people who are trained to use them properly."

     The EPA classifies certain pesticides that present significant human health or environmental hazards as restricted-use pesticides.  In order to mitigate risks to human health and the environment, the EPA requirements limit the use of restricted-use pesticides to trained applicators.  The EPA regulations specifically outline certification and training requirements necessary to qualify applicators to use these types of pesticides.
     
     The civil complaint was based on information provided to the EPA by the Nevada Department of Agriculture.