Goose-threatening pesticides lead to fines

Five Willamette Valley growers were hit with civil penalties for misusing zinc phosphide products.

The chemical is blamed for geese deaths throughout the Willamette Valley since 2005.

Zinc phosphide is a restricted use pesticide used to control rodents. In these cases it was being used to control voles, according to the Oregon Department of Agriculture.

Civil penalties were for "applying a pesticide product in a faulty, careless, or negligent manner" according to the department. Those fined include:

JTB Farms of Cornelius – $6,000 for applying zinc phosphide to a grass seed field. Only below ground placement was allowable. The department "determined the violation occurred from gross negligence or willful misconduct and issued the maximum civil penalty allowed by law."

Beltview Farms, Inc. of Yamhill – $629 for applying the product to a clover field. The product label does not include usage on clover.

Dean Freeborn of Rickreall – $592 for applying the product above ground to a grass seed field in April 2009. It is only allowed above ground from May 1 to August 31, according to the department.

David Fazio of Portland – $592 for applying the product above ground in March 2009 to a grass seed field on Sauvie Island.

Alan Schaaf of Hillsboro – $592 for applying product above ground in January 2009.