The yellow helicopter belonging to Steve Owen of Pacific Air Research was at the center of an investigation into alleged overspray during an aerial herbicide application onto forestland near Oregon's southern coast.
Oregon Department of Agriculture
After Oregon regulators fined Pacific Air Research a total of $20,000 and sought to revoke the company's license, the feds have tacked on $1,500 more.
Steve Owen, owner of Pacific Air Research, found himself in trouble with state and federal regulators after he sprayed timberlands near Gold Beach last October. Dozens of residents there saw his helicopter fly directly over homes and complained the chemicals made them sick. Sampling later showed herbicides meant for timber sites landed on residential properties. As EarthFix reported in April, Owen also failed to disclose all the herbicides he used on records he provided to state investigators. When the state fined Owen and his company, it claimed he provided "false and misleading information."
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday announced a civil complaint against Pacific Air, alleging mis-application of pesticides and a failure to follow pesticide labels, which is legally required under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIRFA).
The EPA's $1,500 penalty is the statutory maximum for Pacific Air's alleged violations, but it’s a fraction of the fines issued by Oregon’s Department of Agriculture. Oregon also revoked Owen’s license, but he has appealed and is allowed to operate throughout that process.
In addition to fines and license woes for Owen, the aftermath of the spray incident has included state senate hearings -- which could result in new legislation -- and a lawsuit challenging Oregon's Right to Farm and Forest Act, which shields farmers and loggers from liability.
Stay tuned for more on both of those.
-- Tony Schick