A state superior court judge has ruled against a company that provides aerial pesticide applications in a case involving four spray drift incidents dating back to 2014. Alpine Helicopter Service Inc. endangered public health and safety by violating laws that prohibit pesticide drift, according to the ruling.
In 2020 the Department of Pesticide Regulation, in partnership with the state attorney general, filed a claim that was later consolidated with a separate lawsuit by the San Joaquin County district attorney.
“The blatantly careless actions of Alpine threaten the health and safety of children and communities,” said DPR acting chief deputy director Karen Morrison in a statement.
Attorney General Rob Bonta argued this court decision should send a strong message to agricultural businesses that the state will hold them accountable if they violate the law when using “toxic chemicals.”
