The Sonoma County agricultural commissioner and the state Department of Pesticide Regulation are investigating if a soil fumigant applied to a new vineyard poisoned four people in a nearby organic vineyard.
Commissioner John Westoby said four people from the organic Davis Bynum vineyard went to the Healdsburg Hospital with symptoms of nausea, disorientation and vomiting that had persisted for several days.
The family-owned Davis Bynum vineyard is adjacent to 3.1 acres, owned by Williams-Selyem Winery that were treated with methyl bromide by Tri-Cal Inc. of Hollister on Sept. 11.
Westoby said tests did not detect any escaped gas. Westoby said none of the vineyard workers applying the fumigant had complained of ailments.
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mindfully.org note: Mr. Nino's statement that "It is very perplexing [because the methyl bromide was applied according to laws and regulations]" is a typical response from the commercial farming industry. However, the laws and regulations were written by the pesticide industry with the intent of maintaining and improving profits, not human and environmental health." |
Dennis Nino, a lawyer for Tri-Cal, said the fumigant was applied in accordance with strict state laws and county regulations.
"It is very perplexing," he said.
Investigators are currently looking at medical records, compliance with other regulations and issues regarding buffer zones. Westoby he said he expects the results of that investigation next week.
Westoby said no illnesses linked to methyl bromide, which is used to rid soil of pests and insects, have been reported in Sonoma County in the past three years.
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