Wood Treatment Companies Fined for Violating Pesticide Laws

After protracted legal discussions  two companies involved with wood treatment have settled cases with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over violations of federal laws involving the use of pesticides. The two businesses are Gardner-Fields of Tacoma, Washington and IBC Manufacturing of Memphis, Tennessee.

Both companies were charged with selling and distributing illegal pesticides that were mislabeled as approved. Such actions put both the environment at risk as well as the health of people and animals. In the event of mis-use or poisoning, products with incorrect labels can provide no assistance to medical staff or those attempting to remedy the problem.

Both cases involved the mis-labeling of chemical wood preservatives. Gardner-Fields will pay over thirty five thousand dollars in settlement fees and IBC Manufacturing will be required to pay two hundred and sixty five thousand dollars to fines. The violations were discovered during a routine inspection of facilities by the EPA back in 2008.

The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act requires that wood preservatives be registered with the EPA and distributed or sold with correct instructions and labeling of appropriate uses. Anyone involved in the distribution and sale of pesticides is responsible for complying with the law and staying current on products and policies.

WasteCare Wants You to Remember: If your construction or remodeling business uses, sells, or recommends chemical wood treatment products, make sure you’re staying up to date of the regulations. If you’re uncertain about the safety of a product, contact your state EPA office for assistance.