A landscape contractor who spread pesticides on the turf at Pelham (Mass.) High School was slapped with a $2,000 fine for failing to obtain the proper work permit, according to Wendy Chapley, director of the state Department of Agriculture's pesticide control division.
Chapley said her office got involved after receiving a complaint about the landscaper, Lawn Master of Methuen (Mass.), which is owned by Daniel Dellanno. Chapley said Dellanno has paid the fine and settled the complaint.
School Board member Linda Mahoney said she had contacted the state Department of Agriculture with a question about the use of chemicals near a well on school property. Mahoney said she did not make a formal complaint.
Nonetheless, the state sent investigators to examine the situation at Pelham High. Also, the school district agreed to have the water tested to be sure it was not contaminated. Ultimately, the water was found to be safe to drink, said Brian Gallagher, school district business manager.
Mahoney said this week that she was never notified that the investigation was over. She only happened to see an item about the fine in a bulletin.
Asked to comment on the case yesterday, Gallagher said the "Department of Agriculture took no action against the school district, and all tests performed were negative in regards to contamination of the water supply at Pelham High School."
Gallagher said the landscaper did not make any additional applications of pesticide on the school grounds.
"In some cases, it's easier for a company to pay the fines and move forward than to get into a lengthy appeal process," he said. "That involves a business decision by a company. There were no additional costs to the district."
Dellanno, reached by telephone at his home yesterday, said he did not want to comment on the fine.
"I was in violation of a law, and I'll leave it at that," he said.
Chapley said the landscaper could have spread the chemicals near the well legally if the proper authorization had been obtained.
"That's the violation," she said. "It isn't a question of whether it (the pesticide) was hazardous."
Chapley said the state Department of Environmental Services established the regulation to "protect the public water supply." Her division is charged with enforcement.
Chapley said this type of violation involving a school is rare but occurs once every "eight, nine or 10 years" and involves schools on well water. Most New Hampshire schools are on a municipal water supply, so the situation does not arise, she said.