Two More Articles on Oregon Aerial Spraying Violations and Legal Repercussions

October 22, 2015

On 10/19/15 the Oregonian published a report, After Weed Killers Drift, Oregon Gets Tough with Helicopter Sprayer by Rob Davis. Per the article, "After initially proposing a $1,100 fine and short license revocation, the state last week said it would suspend Applebee's ability to spray for a year and fine it $40,000. The state found that Applebee had sprayed four times in the last month while its license was suspended."

In addition, the article discusses aerial spray violations by pilot Steve Owen of Pacific Air Research, "The Department of Agriculture has proposed extending Owen's current year-long license suspension by another year. He wouldn't be able to resume spraying until July 2017. The agency also proposed fining Owen and his company $1,480. The decision can be appealed."

Visit the link: Pesticide Spray Victims Tell Their Stories for a Jefferson Public Radio (JPR) interview with Darryl Ivy and Kevin Vanderlei, former Applebee Aviation employees. Both were subjected to toxic pesticide emissions while working for Applebee Aviation, a commercial agricultural aerial spraying company based out of the Apple Valley Airport in Buxton, Oregon. This airport is located off Highway 26 in the foothills of the coast range within two miles of the Banks-Vernonia trail, a popular woodland path frequented by walkers, runners and bicyclists. According to a 7/3/15 Oregonian article this trail attracts over 100.000 visitors per year. (See Washington County Town of Banks Emerging as Nexus of Long Regional Trails.) Applebee Aviation continues to offer flight training and other commercial aviation services at the Hillsboro Airport.