Kingston resident charged for Pesticides Act violation

A Kingston resident, who was anonymously reported to the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP), has been charged with violating the provincial Pesticides Act.

According to a press release from the Government of Ontario, Kingstonian Trevor Timpany was convicted “for using, causing, or permitting” the use of a prohibited pesticide for cosmetic reasons. Timpany was convicted of this violation of the Pesticides Act on Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023.

The anonymous complaint to MECP was made on May 18, 2021, and concerned a “potential improper pesticide application at a residential property in the City of Kingston.” As MECP carried out an investigation, it was determined that the property in question was owned by Timpany, the provincial government said.

MECP officers attended Timpany’s property and inspected the lawn surrounding the property, where they “observed various broad-leaved plants intermixed in the grass turf. The leaves appeared to be distressed, twisted, and discoloured, consistent with the application of a pesticide product.” The officers took photographs and vegetation samples, which were then submitted for laboratory analysis, according to the release.

“Expert analysis determined that the vegetation samples contained traces of 2,4-D, mecoprop-P, and dicamba, which are active ingredients found in a line of pesticide products known as Killex and Par III,” the province said.

“These pesticide products are banned for cosmetic use in Ontario.”

According to the release, the laboratory analysis further found that the herbicide had been applied directly to the lawn within the five days prior to the MECP officers attending and collecting samples. MECP’s Environmental Investigations and Enforcement Branch then further investigated and subsequently laid charges resulting in Timpany’s conviction.

As a result, Timpany was convicted of one violation under the Pesticides Act and fined $2,000, plus a victim fine surcharge of $500, which is to be paid within 12 months.