Air Ag LLC fined for pesticide-use violation

The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) issued fines totaling $13,325 and imposed license suspensions during the third quarter of 2011 for violations of state pesticide laws and rules. Fines ranged from $200 to $3,575 for incidents that occurred in Adams, Benton, Douglas, Franklin, Pierce and Skagit Counties.

Among the concluded cases was an incident involving Craig Smith of Air Ag LLC, Warden.

WSDA alleged that in May 2010, a herbicide application made by Smith to a winter wheat field in Adams County drifted onto a neighboring residence and damaged the ornamental landscape. The matter was resolved when Smith agreed to pay $3,575 and accept a two-day license suspension.

A penalty matrix is used to ensure penalties are uniform and fair. The matrix takes into account the seriousness of the violation, whether it is a first or a repeat offense, and whether there are any aggravating or mitigating factors involved. Larger penalties often reflect repeat offenses or multiple violations within the same incident.

WSDA enforces state and federal laws to protect people, property and the environment against the improper use of pesticides. Staff also provides technical assistance to the pesticide industry and consumers, and enforces the rules on structural inspections for wood destroying organisms, such as wood rot, carpenter ants or termites. The agency registers more than 11,000 pesticide products, licenses about 22,000 pesticide applicators, dealers, consultants and structural pest inspectors.