Pesticide applicators fined by US Department of Agriculture

OLYMPIA, Wash. -- The state Department of Agriculture has fined pesticide applicators from Yakima and Mattawa for failing to wear protective equipment and improper fumigation.

The department levied an $850 fine against Charles Resendez, an employee of Senske Lawn and Tree Care of Yakima, for supervising an unlicensed employee who applied pesticides without wearing protective equipment.

The incident, which occurred in September 2008, also cost Resendez his license for two days.

Cameron Calaway,  of CK Agri LLC in Mattawa, was fined $850 and had his license suspended for six days for fumigating a field near Warden without fully informing the public. Calaway, who lost his license for six days, also failed to provide pesticide application records.