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The D.E.P. Fines a New Jersey Pest Company $860,000 for Pesticide Violations in Bed Bug TreatmentsTVF Pest Control is made an example by the DEP with a fine of nearly one million dollars for misapplication of hazardous pesticides in dozens of homes in New Jersey. Wednesday February 02 2011 @ 01:54 PM Source:Department of Environmental ProtectionTVF Pest Control of Newark, NJ has recently been assessed a fine of $860,000 by the Department of Environmental Protection for the unlawful misapplication of hazardous pesticides in dozens of homes during bed bug treatments.
The pesticides in question included Malathion and Carbaryl, two chemicals that are strictly banned from indoor usage. These pesticides are readily absorbed through the skin and symptoms can include headaches, nausea and dizziness, muscle twitching and vomiting.
An investigation by the DEP also reports that TVF Pest Control falsified documents to omit records of the usage of these pesticides the in bed bug control.
DEP Commissioner Bob Martin said that assessed fine is a strong warning that the intentional and negligent use of pesticides will not be tolerated:
"This is an issue of public health and welfare,'' said Commissioner Martin.”Bedbug infestation is a growing problem in New Jersey and across the nation. The DEP is sending a strong and clear message in this case that when companies put residents at risk by intentionally misusing pesticides in dealing with bedbugs they will be dealt with severely.''
—Quote @ DEP Press Room
Martin also drove home how important it is that pest management firms follow set guideline and utilize Intergraded Pest Management methods that are designed to minimize the use of pesticides:
"We want pest control companies and individuals to address the bedbug problem in a safe, responsible manner,'' said Commissioner Martin."They should use only registered pesticides and employing smart, approved housekeeping practices and non-pesticide techniques to control the troubling insects.''
—Quote @ DEP Press Room
In addition to nearly a million dollars in fines, the DEP is also seeking the permanent revocation of TVF's pesticide business license and revocation of individual applicator licenses for the company's responsible pesticide applicator Javier Godoy and company owner Josimar Ferreira.
Additionally, TVF has been charged $10,625 for the cost of DEP chemical sampling related to the investigation and levied a $10,000 penalty against TVF corporate officer Marta Braga for an applicator licensing violation.
The DEP has issued an administrative order directing TVF to cease all applications using the two chemicals and to clean up affected residences. According to the official statement, TVF has cleaned up 40 of the 50 residences. The company could not gain entry to 10 of the remaining residences, so DEP advised the owners on recommended cleaning techniques.
The DEP has recommended that individuals who received treatment from TVF do the following:
The public is advised to contact local or state health officials or the DEP if TVF has applied a liquid spray to control bedbugs in your residence prior to July, 2010, and no one has contacted you about proper cleaning. If you have questions, call the DEP at (609) 984-6513, or Spanish-speaking persons should call (609) 984-6914.
—except @ DEP Press Room
It is important to note that residents have the right to obtain notification information from companies to identify chemicals used to control pests in their residences as specified by DEP Compliance and Enforcement.
For more information on this story you can view the official DEP press release here: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/newsrel/2011/11_0013.htm
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