Florida Water Way Management, Pesticide Violations, FL 1994

ORLANDO, FL – A Florida aquatic management company and its principal owner faced federal charges in 1994 for illegally applying restricted pesticides to bodies of water across the state. Florida Water Way Management (FWM) and its president, Steve Weinsier, were at the center of a case brought forth by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) following allegations from former employees.

According to court documents, Weinsier directed FWM applicators to utilize Karmex and Direx – pesticides specifically prohibited for use in aquatic environments – on numerous lakes and ponds throughout Florida beginning in 1986. The illicit application raised concerns about potential ecological damage and public health risks, prompting a federal investigation.

The investigation culminated in a 17-count indictment against Weinsier on November 19, 1993, each charge stemming from violations of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Specifically, Weinsier was accused of violating 7 U.S.C. 136j(a)(2)(G), which addresses the unlawful use of registered pesticides. The charges alleged that FWM knowingly applied pesticides in a manner inconsistent with their labeling, a direct breach of federal regulations designed to protect the environment.

Facing mounting evidence, Weinsier entered a guilty plea on December 17, 1993, to ten of the seventeen counts. In response, the government agreed to dismiss the remaining seven charges. The plea agreement signaled a significant development in the case, acknowledging Weinsier’s responsibility for the illegal pesticide applications. The decision to accept a plea likely stemmed from the strength of the evidence gathered by federal investigators, including testimony from former employees detailing the directives to use the prohibited chemicals.

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Sentencing and Penalties

On March 30, 1994, Weinsier received a sentence of 36 months of non-reporting probation for each of the ten counts to which he pled guilty, to run concurrently. Beyond the probationary period, Weinsier was ordered to pay a $50 special assessment fee, in addition to a $2,000 fine for each count – totaling a substantial $20,000 in penalties. While the sentence didn’t involve incarceration, the financial burden and probationary status represented a significant consequence for the illegal actions.

Key Facts

Defendant: Florida Water Way Management & Steve Weinsier
Crime: Illegal application of restricted pesticides (Karmex & Direx) in aquatic environments.
Statute Violated: 7 U.S.C. 136j(a)(2)(G) – FIFRA
Indictment Date: November 19, 1993
Plea Entered: December 17, 1993 (Guilty to 10 counts)
Sentence: 36 months non-reporting probation (concurrent on 10 counts), $20,000 fine, $50 special assessment.
Allegations: Former employees claimed Weinsier directed illegal pesticide use.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to federal regulations regarding pesticide application and the potential consequences of prioritizing profit over environmental protection. The EPA continues to aggressively pursue enforcement actions against those who violate these critical laws, ensuring the safety of both ecosystems and the public.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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