The North Carolina Pesticide Board has approved several settlement agreements related to violations of pesticide regulations 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 pay $800 due to improper storage of pesticide-containing mulch at a Tarboro store. The mulch was stored outdoors without proper covering or locking, which contravenes state pesticide storage regulations.
Joseph Hunter, a licensed commercial pesticide applicator for Ag Aerial in Kinston, settled for $1,200 in Lenoir County. His drone application near Seven Springs caused pesticide drift onto neighboring residential properties and public areas, violating state laws and labeling requirements.
In Union County, Dale M. Connors from Waxhaw agreed to a $1,200 settlement for applying a restricted-use pesticide without holding a valid license.
Tammy L. Derousse of MTS Landscaping in Zebulon faced similar penalties in Wake County. She agreed to pay $1,200 after it was discovered that her employees were applying herbicides in Raleigh without her having an active license since December 31, 2015.
