Maryland Dept. of Agriculture,
Citizen's Guide to Pesticide Enforcement/Complaints

Here's a link to the page at the MDA website explaining what they do and how they would punish an infraction of their laws.

It is an indisputable fact that Chemlawn HAS NOT DENIED --that the Chemlawn idiot sprayed --seeing all doors, windows open and dog outside, yet the State of Maryland only gave them the absolute minimum in punishment.--A WARNING.

In some instances no violations are noted and a report of findings is issued. However, if evidence is sufficient to prove a significant violation of the law, the Department can resolve the conflict by taking any of the following actions against the pest control business or pesticide applicator:

• Notice of warning

• Negotiated settlement agreement,

• Informal conference before the Chief of the Pesticide Regulation Section,

• Formal hearing before the Office of Administrative Hearings,

• Criminal action in court, or

• Civil penalty.

Penalties For Violating The Maryland Pesticide Applicators Law or Regulations

Any person who violates any provision of the Pesticide Applicators Law is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, is subject to a fine of up to $1,000, or imprisonment not exceeding 60 days, or both.

In addition, a person who violates any provision of the law or regulations is subject to a civil penalty of not more than $2,500 for a first violation or $5,000 for each subsequent violation. Each day a violation occurs can be considered a separate violation. The total penalties imposed on a person for violations that result from the same set of facts and circumstances may not exceed $25,000. Violation of the law and regulations is also grounds for revocation, suspension or denial of a license, permit or certificate issued by MDA.

The Maryland Pesticide Applicators Law contains no provision for compensation to be made to individuals. All civil penalties collected by MDA go into the State's General Fund and are not used by MDA. Private civil action would be required in most instances to recover damages.

The Pesticide Regulation Section will provide notification when a decision has been made as to whether further regulatory action will be taken, and of any final action taken. Parties directly involved in a complaint can receive information by contacting the Pesticide Regulation Section at 410-841-5710.

MDA's function is to ensure compliance with the State pesticide law and to deal with the licensed firm or certified applicator, which is regulated by MDA. MDA does not assist the complainant with preparing a civil suit against the pest control firm or applicator.

For information about a specific complaint, call the Pesticide Regulation Section at 410-841-5710 and ask to speak with the inspector in charge of the investigation, the Supervising Inspector or the Case Review Officer.

If you have any questions not addressed here, please to call the MDA, Pesticide Regulation Section at 410-841-5710.