GROWERS CAN EXPECT TO SEE HIGHER PENALTIES FOR PESTICIDE VIOLATIONS IN WASHINGTON STATE

For the first time since 1999, the Washington Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is raising penalties for pesticide violations. Early next year, violations will result in extended license suspensions and higher fines. Now, fines for violations range from $200-$7,500.00. The maximum fine of $7,500.00 is set by the legislature and will not change. In the proposed changes, WSDA plans on setting fines higher for first time violation and to enforce the maximum penalty after the third violation in three years. Violations will be categorized: off target violations, safety violations, and unlicensed activities. Fines and suspension schedules will be different for each category to reflect the seriousness of the violation.

• Pesticide Exposure to People
  • First Violation: $1,500 and 5 day suspension.
  • Second Violation: $3,000 and 10 day suspension or license revoked.
  • Third and Subsequent Violations: $6,000 and 20 day suspension or license revoked.
• Endangering animals, plants and pollinators
  • First Violation: $1,00 and 4 day suspension.
  • Second Violation: $2,000 and 8 day suspension or license revoked.
  • Third and Subsequent Violations: $4,000 and 16 day suspension or license revoked.
• Unlicensed Commercial Pesticide Application:
  • First Violation: $2,500.
  • Second Violation: $5,000.
  • Third and Subsequent Violations: $7,500.
• Distribution of Unlicensed Restricted Use Pesticides and other Unlicensed Activities:
  • First Violation: $1,000.
  • Second Violation: $2,500.
  • Third and Subsequent Violations: $5,000.
• Violation of Standards in Place for Worker Protection Specific to Training, Protecting, Supervising and Providing Emergency Aid to Workers.
  • First Violation: $1,000.
  • Second Violation: $2,000.
  • Third and Subsequent Violations: $3,000.
• Violations of Other Protection Standards for Workers:
  • First Violation: $500.
  • Second Violation: $750.
  • Third and Subsequent Violations: $1,000.
• Violations in Record Keeping
  • $250

Under the proposed plan, WSDA could raise or lower penalties for mitigating circumstances by 25%. Penalties could be raised for carelessness or sickening people and lowered if violation is immediately reported to address the problem. This year, WSDA has identified 11 pesticide violations and issued penalties in response.

Until January 10, 2023, WSDA is accepting comments on the proposed penalties.

Comments can be emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., sent by fax to (360) 902-2092 or mailed to: Gloriann Robinson, agency rules coordinator, P.O. Box 42560, Olympia, WA 98504-2560.