How does the MDA enforce the regulatory requirements on the atrazine label?
The MDA field inspectors annually conduct atrazine use inspections at application sites. These inspections have been conducted since 1990; however beginning in 2007 a focused effort has been underway to inspect atrazine application sites adjacent to water features. In 2007, MDA conducted 83 application set-back inspections; 12% of these resulted in enforcement. In 2008, 79 inspections were conducted; 54 of those inspections involved sites where atrazine set-backs were required, there was a 26% violation rate. In 2009, 53 atrazine use inspections were conducted, 38 had site conditions requiring setbacks and 6 of those are under enforcement review. Enforcement actions on atrazine setback violations have ranged from a warning letter to a penalty of $500. Every enforcement case is evaluated on its own merits.
