Wilson Torres-Rivera, Pesticide Misuse, Puerto Rico 2021

San Juan, Puerto Rico – Tower & Son Exterminating Corporation and its owner, Wilson Torres-Rivera, have been sentenced for illegally applying a highly dangerous pesticide within homes and on boats throughout Puerto Rico. The violations, uncovered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), represent a serious public health risk and a blatant disregard for federal regulations governing pesticide application.

According to court documents, between August 2014 and February 2015, Torres-Rivera, acting on behalf of Tower & Son, knowingly used Meth-O-Gas Q – a product containing 100 percent methyl bromide – in a manner directly contradicting its approved labeling. Methyl bromide is a potent fumigant strictly prohibited for use in residential settings or for controlling household pests. The EPA has long maintained that the application of methyl bromide inside occupied spaces poses significant health hazards, including neurological damage, respiratory problems, and even death.

The investigation revealed that Torres-Rivera deliberately bypassed safety protocols and disregarded warnings regarding the dangerous nature of the chemical. Authorities suspect the misuse was driven by cost-cutting measures, utilizing a cheaper, but illegal, method of pest control. Neighbors reportedly complained of strong chemical odors emanating from treated properties, prompting the EPA investigation. The full extent of potential health impacts on residents exposed to the pesticide remains under assessment.

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Legal Ramifications

On March 17, 2021, Tower & Son Exterminating Corporation was sentenced to four years of probation and ordered to pay a $20,000 fine. Critically, a special condition of their probation prohibits the company from purchasing or using any methyl bromide products within the territory of Puerto Rico. Torres-Rivera himself received two years of probation and a $2,000 fine. The sentencing reflects the severity with which federal authorities view the illegal and dangerous application of restricted pesticides.

The case hinged on violations of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), specifically 7 U.S.C. 136l(b)(1)(B), which prohibits the use of any registered pesticide in a manner inconsistent with its labeling, and 7 U.S.C. 136j(a)(2)(G), addressing the unlawful distribution and sale of pesticides. Prosecutors argued that Tower & Son’s actions weren’t simply a misapplication, but a deliberate flouting of regulations designed to protect public safety.

Key Facts

Defendant: Tower & Son Exterminating Corporation and Wilson Torres-Rivera
Location: Puerto Rico
Period of Violation: August 2014 – February 2015
Pesticide Used: Meth-O-Gas Q (100% methyl bromide)
Violated Laws: 7 U.S.C. 136l(b)(1)(B), 7 U.S.C. 136j(a)(2)(G)
Penalties: Tower & Son – 4 years probation, $20,000 fine, ban on methyl bromide. Torres-Rivera – 2 years probation, $2,000 fine.

The EPA continues to emphasize the importance of licensed and certified pest control operators adhering to strict safety guidelines. This case serves as a stark warning to others operating within the industry that violations of federal pesticide regulations will be aggressively investigated and prosecuted.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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