August 17, 2004

*Pesticide Bureau Issues Fines*
Jill Warren Supervisory Inspector

All schools, daycare centers, and school age childcare programs, along with all pest management professionals, should be aware that section 14A of Chapter 132B (Massachusetts Pesticide Control Act) provides the Pesticide Bureau with the ability to levy a civil administrative penalty of up to $1000.00 against any person or school administration who violates the requirements of section 6C to 6I of Chapter 132B.

To date, the bureau has assessed 10 penalties against pest management companies, schools, daycare centers, and school age childcare programs. Most violations were issued because a school, daycare, or school age childcare center did not submit an Indoor and Outdoor Integrated Pest Management Plan to the Department after being warned of their violation. In addition, many pest management companies were assessed penalties for using prohibited products on either the inside or outside property of the school, daycare or school age childcare program or for making applications to a school, daycare or school age childcare program without an Indoor or Outdoor IPM Plan on file with the Department.

The Pesticide Bureau will continue to levy such fines against those who violate sections 6C through 6I of Chapter 132B. To view Chapter 85 of the Acts of 2000, An Act to Protect Children and Families from Harmful Pesticides, go to www.massnrc.org/ipm and click on the "Children's Protection Act" link.