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BECQ: No tolerance for illegal pesticides
The Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality has been vigorous in its pursuit to stop the sale of illegal pesticides in the Commonwealth.
All pesticides in the CNMI—whether imported, sold, or used—must have the required labeling that conforms to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards.
EPA guidelines require tests that determine the harmfulness of a product to people or natural resources, before a product can be registered and allowed for sale. EPA examines the ingredients of a pesticide and ways in which the product is used and assesses the various human health and environmental effects associated with its use.
Over the last month, BECQ staff has issued notices and fines to a number of businesses that have failed to remove illegal pesticides off their shelves. Several weeks ago, Zhen Corp. dba Free Town Market was slapped with a $3,000 fine for importing and selling unregistered pesticide devices.
Bureau administrator Frank Rabauliman reminds the community of the harm to health and safety that pesticides can cause.
“Store owners and wholesalers have responsibility to make sure the pesticide chemicals and devices they import and sell have required EPA levels,” he said.
Rabauliman urges business to remove illegal pesticides from their storefronts or establishments to avoid hefty fines and fees.
Also, under CNMI Pesticide regulation, it is illegal for any person within the CNMI to offer to deliver any pesticide that is unregistered, misbranded, banned, or cancelled.
For more information about pesticide regulations call the Pesticide Program at 664-8500/11 or email storagetankspecticides@deq.gov.mp. Other information on pesticides and pesticide regulations can be found at www.deq.gov.mp.
