Pesticides Section

Enforcement Response Unit

The Enforcement Response Unit serves as the lead in responding to citizen complaints and in coordinating pesticide investigations.  This Unit works with pesticide inspectors, chemists, epidemiologists, plant specialists, animal specialists, local law enforcement, veterinarians, and many other local, state and federal agencies in coordinating all of the events necessary to complete an investigation.  Once enforcement specialists pull all parts of an investigation together, they meet with the NC Attorney General's Office to determine if any pesticide violations have occurred.   The Pesticide Section is authorized to negotiate settlements of enforcement actions if the alleged perpetrator wishes to avoid a formal hearing before the N.C. Pesticide Board.  If  a settlement can not be reached, the Enforcement Response Unit and the Attorney General's Office present the State's case before the North Carolina Pesticide Board in a formal hearing.

This Unit is also involved in ensuring environmental remediation when appropriate.   For instance, in the event of a  pesticide spill, the Department will negotiate clean up for the contaminated area before agreeing to any settlement. This type of enforcement not only requires corrective action on the part of the accused but also ensures that environmental repair or remediation will take place. 

The Enforcement Response Unit provides the first stage of response to citizen's complaints, works throughout an investigation to ensure all necessary evidence is obtained, and reports back to complainants after an enforcement case is closed.  The Enforcement Response Unit plays an important role in helping the Pesticide Section accomplish its objective in administering and enforcing the NC Pesticide Law of 1971 and regulations adopted by the NC Pesticide Board.

For more information contact Patrick Jones, Field Operations Manager, at (919)733-3556 or email: patrick.jones@ncagr.gov