Sauvie Island, Oregon – Local farmer David Fazio was convicted in 2009 of violating state environmental regulations following the deaths of several migratory birds. The incident, which occurred on Sauvie Island – a known haven for wildlife, particularly migratory waterfowl and home to a National Wildlife Refuge – raised concerns about pesticide application practices and their impact on protected species.
On March 2009, a concerned landowner reported the discovery of seven deceased cackling Canada geese and one exhibiting clear symptoms of pesticide poisoning. The Oregon Department of Agriculture swiftly launched an investigation, focusing on nearby agricultural operations. Evidence quickly pointed toward Fazio’s farms, where investigators determined that pesticide pellets were not being applied correctly.
The investigation revealed that Fazio’s farmhands were failing to adhere to label instructions, specifically the requirement to *inject* the pesticide pellets into the ground. Instead, the pellets were being left exposed on the surface of the fields. These fields were frequented by the cackling Canada geese, creating a direct pathway for ingestion. While definitive proof linking the specific pesticides used by Fazio to the birds’ deaths proved elusive, necropsies confirmed the presence of pesticides consistent with those applied on his properties within the deceased birds’ systems.
On August 17, 2009, Fazio was formally charged with a single count of violating Oregon state environmental regulations. He subsequently entered a guilty plea, acknowledging responsibility for the improper pesticide application practices on his farms. The case highlighted the critical importance of following pesticide label instructions, not only for environmental protection but also for the preservation of vulnerable wildlife populations.
Penalties and Legal Ramifications
Following the guilty plea, David Fazio was sentenced on November 12, 2009, to a $500 fine by the state of Oregon. While the financial penalty was relatively modest, the case served as a cautionary tale for agricultural operators in the region. The violation stemmed from failures in adhering to Oregon’s regulations regarding pesticide application, designed to protect both the environment and non-target species. The specific statutes violated were not publicly disclosed, but focused on improper application methods leading to environmental contamination.
Key Facts
- Defendant: David Fazio
- Location: Sauvie Island, Oregon
- Date of Incident: March 2009
- Victims: Seven deceased and one sick cackling Canada goose
- Violation: Improper pesticide application, failing to inject pellets into the ground
- Penalty: $500 state fine
- Statutes Violated: Oregon state environmental regulations regarding pesticide use.
GrimyTimes will continue to follow cases involving environmental crimes and their impact on communities and ecosystems. This incident underscores the need for strict oversight and enforcement of regulations concerning potentially harmful substances and their application.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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