Cary Buck, owner of AAA Accredited Pest Control, has permanently surrendered his pesticide license and will pay the state $70,000 as part of a settlement for using a banned and potentially harmful pesticide.
In 2013, the state determined that Buck had illegally treated a Rutland City home for bedbugs using products containing Chlorpyrifos, an insecticide banned for indoor use since 2001.
Upon further investigation, state inspectors found that Buck had used the pesticide numerous times in and around Rutland County with high levels found in more than a dozen homes. Buck’s pesticide license was suspended and a team of experts from the EPA was brought to Rutland to help the state deal with the cleanup and public health threat.
According to Agency of Agriculture documents, Cary Buck had a history of pesticide misuse and had been sanctioned five times by the state.
"We believe it was an adequate amount to deter others from this behavior and we believe it is one of the most significant pesticide penalties ever collected by the state of Vermont." -- Assistant Attorney General Diane Zamos
Assistant Attorney General Diane Zamos says Buck will pay the state $70,000 and will never again be able to handle pesticides. “We believe it was an adequate amount to deter others from this behavior and we believe it is one of the most significant pesticide penalties ever collected by the state of Vermont,” says Zamos
In addition, Buck will not seek employment with any other pesticide application company, and under state guidance, will lawfully dispose of all pesticides and equipment remaining in his possession.
