The North Carolina Pesticide Board has approved several settlement agreements related to pesticide application violations in Edgecombe, Lenoir, Union, and Wake counties. These settlements address issues such as unlicensed pesticide applications and improper storage practices.
In Edgecombe County, Lowe’s Home Centers agreed to a settlement of $800 after it was found that a store in Tarboro improperly stored mulch containing pesticides outdoors without proper coverage or security. This violated state regulations regarding pesticide storage.
In Lenoir County, Joseph Hunter, a licensed commercial pesticide applicator for Ag Aerial based in Kinston, settled for $1,200. His drone application near Seven Springs led to pesticide drift affecting neighboring residential properties and public areas, which breached state laws and labeling requirements.
Dale M. Connors from Waxhaw in Union County agreed to pay $1,200 due to applying a restricted-use pesticide without holding a valid license.
Tammy L. Derousse of MTS Landscaping in Zebulon reached a settlement of $1,200 with the board after it was discovered that her company applied herbicides in Raleigh without an active license. Her license had expired on December 31, 2015.
These cases highlight ongoing efforts by the N.C. Pesticide Board to enforce compliance with state pesticide regulations.
