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EPA FINES GARY SEYMOUR $23,100 FOR PESTICIDE MISUSE

Release Date: 05/31/2002
Contact Information: Dawn Harris-Young, EPA Media Relations, 404-562-8421

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced the settlement of an administrative enforcement action against Gary Seymour of Hiland Park, Florida, for placing aldicarb, a pesticide, on deer carcasses for the purpose of baiting and killing coyotes. Aldicarb is the active ingredient in Temik7 insecticides, which are classified by EPA as "restricted use" pesticides. At the time of the applications, Mr. Seymour was not a certified applicator nor did he apply the pesticide under the direct supervision of a certified applicator. EPA contended that such activities constituted violations of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). While neither admitting nor denying the alleged violations, Gary Seymour agreed to pay a penalty of $23,100. Through the application of aldicarb to each of three deer carcasses for the purpose of killing coyotes, Mr. Seymour used a registered product in a manner inconsistent with its labeling. There are no aldicarb labels which bear directions for use for predator control. Aldicarb labels also bear warnings such as "Toxic to Fish, Birds and Wildlife" and "Apply this product only as specified on the label." Mr. Seymour also violated FIFRA by improperly storing two containers of aldicarb. Neither was present in its original container and both could have been accessed by children. Aldicarb labels bear strict storage requirements: "STORAGE: Store unused Temik brand Aldicarb Pesticide in original container only, in well ventilated clean dry area out of reach of children and animals. Do not store in areas where temperature averages 115 or greater. Do not store in or around the home or home garden." There has been an increase in the misuse of pesticides to control predatory and nuisance animals. Such placement of aldicarb and other highly toxic pesticides in the environment poses a grave danger to both humans and animals, including those protected by the Endangered Species Act, who may come into contact with the material. Pesticides should only be applied, for their intended uses and according to label directions.