ATLANTA (Legal Newsline) - Syngenta Crop Protection LLC in Greensboro, North Carolina, will pay $766,508 in civil penalties and spend $436,990 to perform a Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP) after allegations of violating the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced.
According to the EPA, Syngenta distributed and sold pesticide products to refillers despite not having written repackaging agreements with the refillers.
Additionally, the EPA alleges the company failed to maintain proper records of repackaging agreements, a must under a pesticide management and disposal rule. The company also violated FIFRA in its alleged unlawful sales and distribution of misbranded pesticides, the agency said.
“The repackaging, sale and distribution of unregistered and misbranded pesticides is illegal and puts people and the environment at risk,” said Anne Heard, acting regional EPA administrator for the Southeast. “Users rely on accurate, up-to-date information about ingredients, directions for use, hazards and safety precautions. This settlement sends a strong message to pesticide companies to maintain compliance with all federal environmental laws.”
The EPA filed a consent agreement and final order Sept. 15. Syngenta will need to pay the fines to the U.S. Department of Treasury within 30 days of the filing date.