EPA fines Simplot Company

The Environmental Protection Agency has fined the J.R. Simplot Company just over $28,000 for failing to register two pesticide facilities.
According to an EPA order, a facility in Grafton, North Dakota owned and operated by the Idaho-based agriculture conglomerate, produced three pesticides in 2008 but inactivated its registration in 2002 and did not register until 2009. Facilities must be actively registered with EPA to produce pesticides.
An additional facility in Moorhead, Minnesota produced six pesticides in 2008, but was inactivated in 1996 and did not reactivate until 2009, the government said. (AP)