AS-EPA Issues Notice of Violation for Futiga Farm

January 06, 2025

On December 12, 2024, the American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency (AS EPA) Pesticide Branch conducted an Agriculture Use Inspection at a local farm in Futiga that grows and sells fruits and vegetables to restaurants, stores, and the public. The routine inspection discovered pesticide misuse of “Complete Insect Killer” (EPA Reg. No. 92564-12) on cucumber, long bean, and eggplant and the other pesticide product called the Spectracide, “Triazicide Insect Killer” (EPA Reg. No. 9688-277-8845) on cucumber and long beans. The Complete Insect Killer label specifies its application to control pests on lawns and around building foundations only. The Triazicide Insect Killer label does not allow its use to control pests on cucumber and long bean plants.

The farm owner was promptly informed about the misuse violation and was advised to carefully read pesticide labels to understand proper usage, including designated sites/areas and targeted pests. A Notice of Violation (NOV) was issued pursuant to A.S.C.A. § 24.1222(3), which characterizes the actions of the owner as unlawful.

The AS-EPA Pesticide Enforcement Branch in collaboration with the Department of Health (DOH) Environmental Health Services (EHS) Division pursued the necessary actions to immediately condemn and dispose of the affected produce. The DOH ordered the farm owner to uproot and destroy all crops which have been identified by AS-EPA to be tainted with the Complete Insect Killer and Triazicide Insect Killer pesticides.

AS-EPA and DOH continue to underscore the critical importance of reading the label on pesticide products which guides the applicator on the appropriate usage and application of each product. The label provides essential information such as proper usage, dilution rate, storage, disposal, and types of personal protective equipment (PPE) that must be worn for health and environmental protection. Non-compliance with pesticide product labels can lead to serious health or environmental risks and may result in potential pesticide penalties and/or fines. Agricultural workers are encouraged to contact the AS-EPA Pesticide Branch for further information on the proper use of pesticide products and devices.

AS-EPA Acting Director William Sili urges farm owners and the regulated community to strictly adhere to and comply with the requirements of the pesticide label. He highlighted that the misuse of any pesticide products is a grave concern and poses a health and environmental risk to the local community. Acting Director Sili reiterated that “the American Samoa EPA and DOH continue to work together to ensure farmers and the community adhere to the local and federal regulations governing pesticide use. Any case of pesticide misuse violations will be swiftly dealt with as the health and safety of our people and environment is paramount to our line of work.”

For more information, please contact the AS EPA Pesticide Branch at 684-633-2304.