The Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) and Attorney General Xavier Becerra filed a legal complaint against Alpine Helicopter Service last week over three alleged spray drift incidents.
The state argues the company has repeatedly violated pesticide regulations since 2013. Two of the incidents of concern occurred in San Joaquin County, when aerial applications allegedly drifted onto a nearby sports complex. Children were playing soccer one of those times. The third drift complaint came from a woman in Sacramento County.
“Today’s action demonstrates DPR’s seriousness to protecting California’s people and the environment,” said DPR Assistant Director Ken Everett.
Becerra argued the consequences for violating health and safety should be substantial.
“Who would choose to run their business with such callous disregard for the safety of our children and families nearby?” he said.
