Kansas City, KS – Daniel J. Trehey, owner and operator of Trehey Termite and Pest Control, was sentenced in March 1999 after pleading guilty to the illegal misuse of a restricted-use pesticide. The incident, occurring in October 1998, directly impacted employees of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and prompted a building evacuation.
According to court documents, Trehey misapplied Rid-a-Bird, a pesticide containing the highly toxic chemical Fenthion, within the attic space directly above the third floor of the EPA’s Region 7 office in Kansas City, Kansas. Fenthion is particularly dangerous due to its prohibition for use in areas frequented by people. The application occurred despite clear restrictions outlined in federal regulations governing pesticide use.
Immediately following the application, several EPA employees reported feeling ill and subsequently sought medical attention. The severity of the situation necessitated the complete evacuation of the third floor of the federal building, disrupting operations and raising serious concerns about workplace safety. Investigators determined the pesticide fumes had permeated the office space, posing an immediate health risk.
The case was pursued by federal authorities, resulting in an indictment on October 27, 1998, charging Trehey with one count of violating the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). The specific statute violated was 7 U.S.C. 136(1)(B), which addresses the misuse of registered pesticides. The EPA’s enforcement division played a key role in the investigation, providing evidence of the improper application and its direct link to the employee illnesses.
Penalties and Sentencing
Trehey entered a guilty plea on January 14, 1999, acknowledging the unlawful application of the pesticide. On March 11, 1999, he was sentenced to twelve months of probation and ordered to pay a $2,000 federal fine. While the sentence may seem lenient, federal authorities emphasize that this case serves as a warning to all pest control operators regarding the strict adherence to pesticide regulations and the potential consequences of non-compliance.
This case highlights the importance of proper training and licensing for pesticide applicators, as well as the necessity of following label instructions and safety precautions. The EPA continues to prioritize enforcement actions against those who endanger public health and the environment through the improper use of hazardous chemicals. The incident underscores the vulnerability of federal buildings and employees to such risks, prompting ongoing reviews of safety protocols.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Daniel J. Trehey
- Company: Trehey Termite and Pest Control
- Location: Kansas City, Kansas
- Pesticide Used: Rid-a-Bird (containing Fenthion)
- Statute Violated: 7 U.S.C. 136(1)(B) – FIFRA misuse
- Penalties: 12 months probation, $2,000 fine
- Impact: Evacuation of EPA Region 7 third floor; multiple employees sought medical attention.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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