U.S. EPA fines Shell Corporation $26,000 for Las Vegas pesticide violation

LOS ANGELES – Yesterday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency fined the Shell Corporation of Las Vegas $26,000 for allegedly selling and distributing “Roof-ReNEW,” an unregistered pesticide, in violation of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act.

The EPA alleges that in 2006, the Shell Corporation, located at 4620 S. Valley View in Las Vegas, Nev., sold and distributed “Roof-ReNEW,” a product that it claimed prevented mold on roofs, decks, and wooden shingles, to firms in Colorado and Tennessee.

“Selling unregistered pesticides is a significant violation that can result in harm to public health and the environment” said Katherine Taylor, Associate Director of the Communities and Ecosystems Division in the EPA’s Pacific Southwest Office. “Companies must register pesticides with the EPA before distributing and selling such products.”

The Nevada Department of Agriculture discovered the violations during an inspection conducted at the request of EPA Region IX in July 2006.

The EPA regulates the manufacture, import, sale and use of pesticides. Distributors and retailers are responsible for ensuring that all pesticides distributed and/or sold fully comply with federal pesticide regulations.