The California Department of Pesticide Regulation is asking a Kern County judge to stop a Bakersfield-area crop duster from carrying out any future applications.
According to the DPR announcement, John A. Slykerman and his company, Agra Fly Inc. stand accused of several illegal drift incidents that harmed at least one person and damaged property.
DPR is seeking various civil penalties.
“The California Department of Pesticide Regulation is taking immediate action against Slykerman and Agra Fly for their repeated illegal actions that have injured people and property,” said DPR Assistant Director Ken Everett. “DPR’s quick action is needed to prevent further egregious violations.”
The complaint is focused on six separate alleged drift incidents.
In each case, the complaint says, five in Kern County and one in Tulare county, the drift was a violation of both pesticide label requirements and California regulations.
The complaint also notes Slykerman does not have a current FAA-approved medical certificate, which is required to aerially apply pesticides.
