HERMISTON â The Idaho-based food and agriculture company J.R. Simplot has agreed to pay a $65,248 fine for violating federal pesticide regulations at their locations in Moreland, Idaho, and Umatilla.
According to a press release Wednesday, July 21, from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, an inspection of the companyâs Umatilla facility found a 12-inch hole in the floor of the warehouse, allowing any stored liquid to pollute the ground underneath.
The facility stores Gramoxone SL 2.0 and Vydate. Gramoxone SL 2.0 targets grass and other weeds in crops and can cause skin irritation, damage to organs and is fatal if inhaled, according to safety data sheets. Vydate, which is used against parasites, also is toxic to aquatic organisms, birds and mammals.