P.R. pesticide distributors settle with EPA, fined $210K
EPA Regional Administrator Judith A. Enck (Credit: http://youtu.be/pjk-_C3sbls)
Under a settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, two pesticide distributors, Superior-Angran LLC and Superior Angran Caribbean Inc. of Guaynabo, will come into compliance with the Clean Air Act and federal pesticides law, the agency announced Thursday.
The two companies will also pay a $210,000 fine and provide professional training for pesticide applicators. The agreement settles alleged violations of the Clean Air Act. From 2013 to 2015, Superior-Angran purchased, stored and sold two pesticides containing methyl bromide without complying with the Clean Air Act’s ozone-depleting substances reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
Superior Angran Caribbean exported the same two pesticides containing methyl bromide without complying with the Clean Air Act’s ozone-depleting substances reporting requirements. This case is part of the EPA’s ongoing work to address the illegal use of toxic pesticides in the Caribbean.
“This settlement holds pesticide distributors in Puerto Rico accountable for violating important federal environmental laws and helps to ensure that other companies fully understand the important restrictions on the sale and use of pesticides, particularly those containing methyl bromide,” said Judith A. Enck, EPA Regional Administrator.
“Pesticides containing methyl bromide are very toxic and their use is restricted. Companies selling pesticides must follow all laws to help protect people from becoming seriously injured,” she said.
The EPA has been investigating the companies’ compliance with federal pesticides laws and the Clean Air Act in the Caribbean following a serious pesticide poisoning incident in March, 2015, when a family vacationing in the U.S. Virgin Islands became gravely ill after being exposed to methyl bromide that used to fumigate a condo unit below their vacation rental.
In addition to paying the $210,000 penalty, Superior-Angran and Superior Angran Caribbean will pay for a professional training session for pesticide applicators in Puerto Rico and facilities such as hospitals and schools.
