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Charges laid

Village of Cereal charged with improper pesticide use

Oct 11, 2019 | 4:38 PM

EDMONTON, AB — The Village of Cereal is facing multiple charges from the Alberta government over improper pesticide use.

The village and it’s foreman Kenneth William Rude, along with Darcy Gene Olds, the caretaker of the village campground, are each facing six charges according to an email from the provincial government sent Friday.

Four charges have been laid under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act, including release of substances (Strychnine and Ramex) that may cause a significant adverse effect. Other charges include applying pesticides without holding appropriate certificate of qualification, applying a Schedule 1 or Schedule 2 pesticide without proper approval or registration, and application of pesticides contrary to regulations and manufacturer’s label directions.

Two charges were laid under the Pesticide Sales, Handling Use and Application Regulation, including applying pesticides in a manner likely to cause an adverse effect and applying pesticides without conformity to the requirements of the Pest Controls Products Act (Canada).

The province says the incident occurred on or around June 6, 2017, but no other details were provided.

Health Canada has proposed banning the use of Strychnine to kill prairie gophers, noting the pesticide can have adverse reactions in humans, including death.

-With Files from The Canadian Press