3. Defendants, TERMINIX LP and TERMINIX USVI are obligated to pay a Special Assessment of $125.00 on each misdemeanor count of conviction. 18 U.S.C. § 3013(a)(1) (B)(iii). The total Special Assessment in this case is $500.00 for each defendant. TERMINIX LP and TERMINIX USVI agree to pay the Special Assessment for each count to the Clerk of the Court on the day of the entry of their pleas of guilty.
4. Unless otherwise ordered, should the Court impose a fine of more than $2,500 as part of the sentence, interest will be charged on the unpaid balance of a fine amount not paid within fifteen days after the judgment date, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 3612(f). Other penalties and fines may be assessed on the unpaid balance of a fine pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §§ 3572(h) and (i) and 3612(g).
E.RESTITUTION AND OTHER FINANCIAL MATTERS
5. It is agreed by the United States, TERMINIX LP and TERMINIX USVI that as a special condition of probation, the defendants shall make good faith efforts to resolve past and future medical expenses for the Esmond family through separate civil proceedings. If, upon information received from the Esmonds, the probation office determines that a good faith effort has not been made to resolve the past and future medical and other expenses that would be subject to an order of restitution under 18 U.S.C. § 3563(b)(2) by six months prior to the expiration of the term of probation, the probation office and the government may petition the Court to reopen the sentencing proceedings to seek recovery of past and future medical and other expenses subject to an order of restitution under 18 U.S.C. § 3563(b)(2) for the Esmond family.
The defendants reserve all of their rights with respect to any such future proceedings.
6.The defendant TERMINIX USVI and the United States agree that TERMINIX USVI shall make restitution to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the amount of $1 million for response costs associated with the EPA response and clean-up of the affected residential units at the Sirenusa Resort, St. John, United States Virgin Islands.
7. Upon request of the government, the defendants agree to provide to the Financial Litigation Unit (FLU) of the United States Attorney’s Office, at least 30 days before sentencing and also upon request of the FLU during any period of probation imposed by the Court, a complete and sworn financial statement of defendants TERMINIX LP and TERMINIX USVI. The defendants further agree, upon request of FLU whether made before or after sentencing, to promptly: cooperate in the identification of assets in which the defendants have an interest, cooperate in the liquidation of any such assets, and participate in an asset deposition related to the satisfaction of the terms and conditions of this agreement.
F.APPLICABILITY OF SENTENCING GUIDELINES
8. Defendants TERMINIX LP and TERMINIX USVI understand and agree that the Sentencing Reform Act of 1984 and the Sentencing Guidelines relating to the Sentencing of Organizations (Chapter 8) apply in this case, except for the imposition of a fine. Instead, the amount of the fine is to be determined under 18 U.S.C. §§ 3553 and 3571. All other sections of Chapter 8 of the Sentencing Guidelines that are applicable to organizational defendants are applicable to this case, including provisions for probation and community service. TERMINIX LP and TERMINIX USVI further understand that the Court considers the applicable Sentencing Guidelines as advisory and not mandatory and it may, in its discretion, depart from those Guidelines under some circumstances. United States v. Booker, 543 U.S. 220 (2005).
Defendants TERMINIX LP and TERMINIX USVI expressly understand that all relevant Sentencing Guideline determinations will be made by the Court, based upon input from the defendants, the United States, and the United States Probation Officer who prepares a pre-sentence investigation report if ordered by the District Court.
G.SENTENCING RECOMMENDATION
9. Defendants TERMINIX LP and TERMINIX USVI and the United States agree and recommend that the Court impose the following sentence.
a. TERMINIX LP: a fine of $3 million and a three-year term of probation;
b. TERMINIX USVI: a fine of $5 million and a three-year term of probation.
Special Conditions of Probation
10.Defendants TERMINIX LP and TERMINIX USVI and the United States agree and recommend that in addition to the general conditions of probation imposed by the District Court, the District Court should impose the following Special Conditions of Probation:
a. TERMINIX LP must make a community service payment of $1 million to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation for the purpose of engaging a third party to provide training to pesticide applicators in the United States Virgin Islands. The community service payment and its purpose are set out more fully in Attachment A and incorporated into this plea agreement.
b. TERMINIX USVI shall make restitution to EPA as provided in paragraph 6.
c. All fines and payments under this plea agreement, except the Special Assessments, are due within fifteen days of judgment.
d. TERMINIX LP shall ensure that TERMINIX USVI makes all payments TERMINIX USVI is required to make under this plea agreement.
e. Defendants TERMINIX LP and TERMINIX USVI must comply with paragraph 5.
f. TERMINIX LP and TERMINIX USVI are prohibited from using methyl bromide in the United States or any U.S. territory except for existing government contracts.
g. TERMINIX LP and TERMINIX USVI must demonstrate for EPA Region II’s approval that changes to their fumigation policies and compliance systems are sufficient to avoid future pesticide misapplication.
H.FACTUAL BASIS FOR CONVICTION
11. If this matter were to proceed to trial, the parties agree that the government would prove the following facts beyond a reasonable doubt, and that said facts constitute the crimes charged in the Information.
At all times material to the Information, TERMINIX LP was a Delaware limited partnership engaged in providing residential and commercial pest control services throughout the United States. Its principal place of business was 860 Ridge Lake Blvd., Memphis, Tennessee.
TERMINIX USVI was a United States Virgin Islands limited liability company engaged in providing residential and commercial pest control services throughout the Virgin Islands. Its principal place of business was 6300 Estate Peter’s Rest, Suite 1, Christiansted, St. Croix. TERMINIX USVI, through its employees and agents, including Employee “A,” was a “commercial applicator” under FIFRA. 7 U.S.C. § 136(e)(3).
Employee “A” was the Branch Manager of TERMINIX USVI, and a Certified Pesticide Applicator by the government of the Virgin Islands. Employee “A” reported to a regional manager of TERMINIX LP and provided approximately monthly written updates concerning revenue and inventories, including methyl bromide inventories. TERMINIX USVI provided,
among other things, supervision and management over Employee “A” and other employees, who were at all relevant times acting within the scope of their employment and, at least in part, for the benefit of TERMINIX LP. Defendant TERMINIX USVI was acting at all relevant times for defendant TERMINIX LP as an agent because TERMINIX LP provided management and oversight to defendant TERMINIX USVI.
Methyl bromide is an odorless, colorless liquid under pressure and becomes a gas when exposed to the atmosphere. EPA has determined that methyl bromide is acutely toxic. It is a registered restricted-use pesticide. 40 C.F.R. § 152.175. TERMINIX USVI, through Employee “A,” regularly purchased and used methyl bromide which was registered with the EPA as METH-O-GAS Q (# 5785-41), Methyl Bromide Quarantine Fumigant (# 8536-29), or Methyl Bromide 100 (# 8536-15). Pursuant to their then-current approved labels, these methyl bromide products were not authorized for any residential, non-commodity, or non-agricultural application. Methyl bromide use is restricted to U.S.D.A. or state-supervised agriculture soil application, quarantine, and pre-shipment uses.
TERMINIX USVI provided pest control services in the Virgin Islands including fumigation treatments for Powder Post Beetles.1 These fumigation treatments were referred to as “tape and seal” jobs, meaning that the affected area was to be sealed off from the rest of the structure with plastic sheeting and tape prior to introduction of the fumigant. Customers were generally told by TERMINIX USVI sales employees that methyl bromide was the most effective treatment for Powder Post Beetles. Customers were generally told that after a treatment they could not enter the building for a two- to three-day period.
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1 Powder Post Beetle is a term used to describe several species of small (1/8 to 3/4 inches long), wood-boring insects which reduce wood to a fine, flour-like powder. Damage is done by the larvae as they create narrow, meandering tunnels in wood as they feed.
March 18, 2015, Application.
On or about March 18, 2015, at approximately 8:00 a.m., Employee “A,” and another employee of TERMINIX USVI, went to the Sirenusa Resort in St. John, Virgin Islands, to perform a pesticide treatment in accordance with TERMINIX USVI Service Agreement dated September 30, 2014. Employee “A” and the other TERMINIX USVI employee went to the lower rental unit of Building J and “taped and sealed” off the kitchen area with plastic sheeting. The sheeting was nailed to the ceiling and sealed to the floor with duct tape. After taping and sealing the kitchen area, Employee “A” placed one end of a tube under the sheeting into a bucket inside the taped-off area. The other end of the tube was placed on the valve of the methyl bromide canister. Employee “A” opened the valve on the METH-O-GAS Q canister and allowed the gas to enter the taped-off area of Building J’s lower unit. The lower unit was a totally separate residential unit from the upper unit. The residential application was inconsistent with the label for METH-O-GAS Q.
Unknown to Employee “A” and the other employee of TERMINIX USVI, the upper unit in Building J was occupied by the Esmonds, a Delaware family of four who were on vacation. Mr. Esmond was the assistant head-of-school at a private middle school in Wilmington, Delaware. Dr. Devine (the mother) was a dentist with a successful dental practice in Wilmington. The older son was in 11th grade and the younger son was in 9th grade. The family was physically active and both teens were athletic.
Via various means, methyl bromide from the lower unit in Building J migrated to the upper unit of Building J where the Esmonds were staying. On July 24, 2015, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry reported that on March 20, 2015, the Esmonds were transported to a hospital with a 24-hour history of progressive neurologic symptoms, including
generalized weakness, severe myoclonus, fasciculations, altered sensorium, and word-finding difficulty. Three family members required endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation. The patients’ neurologic syndrome was consistent with acute methyl bromide toxicity.
Prior Applications at Sirenusa.
On or about October 20, 2014, the defendants TERMINIX LP, through TERMINIX USVI, and TERMINIX USVI, through its employees and agents, including Employee “A,” acting as a commercial applicator, applied the restricted-use pesticide Methyl Bromide Quarantine Fumigant, or another restricted-use registered pesticide containing methyl bromide, in residential housing at the Sirenusa Resort: Building H, upper unit; Building I, lower unit; Building C, upper unit; and Building C, lower unit in St. John, United States Virgin Islands. The residential applications were inconsistent with the label for Methyl Bromide Quarantine Fumigant.
Prior Applications at Other Virgin Islands Locations.
Defendants TERMINIX LP, through TERMINIX USVI, and TERMINIX USVI, through its employees and agents, including Employee “A,” acting as a commercial applicator, applied the restricted-use pesticide methyl bromide at other locations around the Virgin Islands as set forth in the following chart:
DATELOCATION
September 7, 201256-58 Hill Street, St. Croix
November 13, 2012336 Herman Hill, St. Croix
January 18, 2013Louis E. Brown Community Center, St. Croix
January 24, 201342 Villa Madeline, St. Croix
April 16, 20136 Southgate Condo, St. Croix
June 4, 2013165 Estate Judith’s Fancy, St. Croix
June 26, 201352 Cotton Valley, St. Croix
July 3, 2013423 Carden Beach, St. Croix
September 6, 201397 Estate Judith’s Fancy, St. Croix
January 15, 201424 Eliza’s Retreat, St. Croix
February 24, 201452 Estate Cotton Valley, St. Croix
February 25, 201442 Estate Cotton Valley, St. Croix
February 9, 201516 Estate Solberg, Peter’s Rest, St. Thomas
The applications at the locations above in the Virgin Islands by Employee “A” were variations of the “tape and seal” method previously described.
All of the above applications by Employee “A” of the restricted-use pesticide methyl bromide were inconsistent with the label for the methyl bromide products used, 7 U.S.C. § 136j(a) (2)(G). The defendants TERMINIX LP and TERMINIX USVI agree that each defendant is subject to a maximum potential fine of twice the pecuniary loss for a total maximum fine of $10 million under the Alternative Fines Act. 18 U.S.C. § 3571(d).
Further, TERMINIX LP and TERMINIX USVI agree that the Factual Basis for the Conviction will be used by the sentencing judge together with any additional facts and information from the pre-sentence report, if one is ordered by the Court, in determining the appropriate sentence in this case.
Waiver of Rights
12. Waiver of Trial Rights and Consequences of Plea: Defendants TERMINIX LP and TERMINIX USVI understand that they have the right to be represented by an attorney at every stage of the proceeding. TERMINIX LP and TERMINIX USVI understand that each one of them has the right to plead not guilty or to persist in that not guilty plea if it has already been made, the right to be tried by a jury with the assistance of counsel, the right to confront and
cross-examine the witnesses against it, and the right to compulsory process for the attendance of witnesses to testify in its defense. TERMINIX LP and TERMINIX USVI further understand that by pleading guilty each waives and gives up those rights if the plea of guilty is accepted by the Court, and if so there will not be a further trial of any kind.
13. Waiver of Statute of Limitations: Defendants TERMINIX LP and TERMINIX USVI understand and agree that should the conviction following their pleas of guilty and pursuant to this plea agreement be vacated for any reason, then any criminal prosecution that is not time-barred by the applicable statute of limitations on the date of the signing of this plea agreement may be commenced or reinstated against the defendants, notwithstanding the expiration of the statute of limitations between the signing of this plea agreement and the commencement or reinstatement of such criminal prosecution. Defendants TERMINIX LP and TERMINIX USVI agree to waive all defenses based on the statute of limitations with respect to any prosecution that is not time-barred on the date the plea agreement is signed pursuant to this paragraph.
14. Waiver of Right to Appeal and Collateral Attack: Defendants acknowledge that under certain circumstances each is entitled to appeal its conviction and sentence. It is specifically agreed that neither the government nor the defendants will appeal or collaterally attack in any proceeding the conviction or sentence imposed by the Court on defendants, except on the grounds of ineffective assistance of counsel, so long as the District Court imposes a sentence in accordance with this plea agreement pursuant to Fed. R. Crim. P. 11(c)(1)(C). Defendants TERMINIX LP and TERMINIX USVI expressly acknowledge that they are
otherwise waiving their rights with respect to future challenges to their convictions or sentences knowingly and intelligently.
15. Waiver of Claims under § 3006A: Defendants TERMINIX LP and TERMINIX USVI further agree to waive any claim under 18 U.S.C. § 3006A for attorneys’ fees and other litigation expenses arising out of the investigation and prosecution of this matter.
Acknowledgment of Guilt and Voluntariness of Plea
16. Defendants TERMINIX LP and TERMINIX USVI each acknowledge that it is entering into this agreement and is pleading guilty freely and voluntarily because it is guilty of the offenses charged in the Information. Defendants TERMINIX LP and TERMINIX USVI further acknowledge that each is entering into this agreement without reliance upon any discussions between the United States and TERMINIX LP and TERMINIX USVI (other than those described in this plea agreement), without promise of benefit of any kind (other than the concessions contained in this plea agreement), and without threats, force, intimidation, or coercion of any kind. Defendants TERMINIX LP and TERMINIX USVI further acknowledge that each has a full understanding of the nature of the offense to which each is pleading guilty, including the penalties provided by law. The voluntary nature of TERMINIX LP’s and TERMINIX USVI’s pleas of guilty and the acknowledgment of their full understanding of the nature of the offenses charged against them are evidenced by the corporate resolutions authorizing the entry of their pleas of guilty. (Copies of said resolutions are attached hereto as Attachment B and are incorporated herein). Defendants TERMINIX LP and TERMINIX USVI also acknowledge complete satisfaction with the representation and advice received from their undersigned attorneys, Timothy K. Webster, Esquire, Kevin A. Rames, Esquire, and Thomas L. Campbell, Esquire. Defendants TERMINIX LP and TERMINIX USVI and the undersigned
attorneys are unaware of any conflict of interest concerning the representation of TERMINIX LP and TERMINIX USVI, in this case.
Scope of Agreement
17. In exchange for defendants’ guilty pleas and the other terms in this plea agreement, the United States agrees to not file any further criminal actions against defendants and any related corporate entities for any conduct related to the government investigation into the application of methyl bromide in the Virgin Islands of which the government presently has knowledge. TERMINIX LP and TERMINIX USVI acknowledge and understand that this plea agreement is limited to the undersigned parties and cannot bind any other federal authority, or any state or local authority.
Satisfaction of Federal Environmental Criminal Liability; Breach
18. The guilty pleas of defendants TERMINIX LP and TERMINIX USVI, if accepted by the Court, will satisfy the Department of Justice Environmental Crimes Section and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of the Virgin Islands with respect to TERMINIX LP’s and TERMINIX USVI’s federal environmental criminal liability in the District of the Virgin Islands as a result of the conduct which is the basis of the Information filed in this case, and known to the United States up to the date of the filing of the Information. This plea agreement does not protect from prosecution or otherwise extend to individual persons not a party or signatory to this agreement.
19. Defendants TERMINIX LP and TERMINIX USVI understand that if, before sentencing, they violate any term or condition of this agreement, engage in any criminal activity, or fail to appear for sentencing, the United States may void all or part of this agreement. If the agreement is voided in whole or in part, defendants TERMINIX LP and TERMINIX USVI agree and acknowledge that they will not be permitted to withdraw their pleas of guilty.
No Other Promises
20. Defendants TERMINIX LP and TERMINIX USVI acknowledge that no other promises, agreements, or conditions have been entered into other than those set forth in this plea agreement, and none will be entered into unless set forth in writing and signed by all the parties.
Agreed to and accepted, this 29th day of March, 2016.
/s/ Ronald W. Sharpe
RONALD W. SHARPE
United States Attorney
District of the Virgin Islands
/s/ Howard P. Stewart
HOWARD P. STEWART
Environmental Crimes Section
U.S. Department of Justice
P.O. Box 7611
Washington, DC 20044
(202) 305-0334
howard.stewart@usdoj.gov
/s/ Kim L. Chisholm
KIM L. CHISHOLM
Senior Litigation Counsel
Assistant United States Attorney
District of the Virgin Islands
kim.chisholm@usdoj.gov
Plea agreement between and among Terminix International Company Limited Partnership, Terminix International USVI, LLP, and the United States.
Agreed to and accepted, this 28th day of March, 2016.
By: /s/ Thomas L. Campbell, Esquire
Thomas L. Campbell, Esquire
Secretary
TERMINIX INTERNATIONAL USVI, LLC
on authority from the Member
Plea agreement between and among Terminix International Company Limited Partnership, Terminix International USVI, LLP, and the United States.
Agreed to and accepted, this 28th day of March, 2016.
By: /s/ Thomas L. Campbell, Esquire
Thomas L. Campbell, Esquire
THE TERMINIX INTERNATIONAL COMPANY
LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
on authority from its General and Limited Partners
Plea agreement between and among Terminix International Company Limited Partnership, Terminix International USVI, LLP, and the United States.
Agreed to and accepted, this 28th day of March, 2016.
/s/ Kevin A. Rames, Esquire
Kevin A. Rames, Esquire
Law Offices of K. A. Rames, P.C.
Suite 3, 2111 Company Street
Christiansted, St. Croix
U.S. Virgin Islands 00820
Attorney for the defendants
TERMINIX INTERNATIONAL USVI, LLC &
THE TERMINIX INTERNATIONAL COMPANY
LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
Plea agreement between and among Terminix International Company Limited Partnership, Terminix International USVI, LLP, and the United States.
Agreed to and accepted, this 28th day of March, 2016.
/s/ Timothy K. Webster, Esquire
Timothy K. Webster, Esquire*
James R. Wedeking, Esquire*
Sidley Austin LLP
1501 K Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20005
Attorneys for the defendants
TERMINIX INTERNATIONAL USVI, LLC &
THE TERMINIX INTERNATIONAL COMPANY
LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
*Motion for admission pro hac vice to be filed
Plea agreement between and among Terminix International Company Limited Partnership, Terminix International USVI, LLP, and the United States
Agreed to and accepted, this 28th day of March, 2016.
/s/ Thomas L. Campbell, Esquire
Thomas L. Campbell, Esquire*
Vice President & Deputy General Counsel
ServiceMaster Global Holdings, Inc.
860 Ridge Lake Blvd.
Memphis, TN 38120
Attorney for the defendants
TERMINIX INTERNATIONAL USVI, LLC &
THE TERMINIX INTERNATIONAL COMPANY
LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
*Motion for admission pro hac vice to be filed
Attachment A
Community Service Project
Defendant Terminix International Company Limited Partnership shall fund a Community Service Project, to be implemented by a third-party organization, to provide education and training in the U.S. Virgin Islands related to the application of pesticides, including fumigants, and the control of pests.
I.Funding
(a)In furtherance of the sentencing principles provided for under § 8B1.3 of the Federal Sentencing Guidelines and 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a), within 15 days after sentencing, Defendant Terminix International Company Limited Partnership shall make a Community Service Payment of $1,000,000.00 to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (“NFWF”). The Community Service Payment shall be used exclusively by NFWF to fund the Community Service Project set forth in Section II, below.
(b)NFWF is a charitable and nonprofit organization established pursuant to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Establishment Act, 16 U.S.C. §§ 3701-3710. Its purposes include the acceptance and administration of “property . . . to further the conservation and management of fish, wildlife, plants, and other natural resources,” and the performance of “such other activities as will further the conservation and management of the fish, wildlife, and plant resources of the United States, and its territories and possessions for present and future generations of Americans.” 16 U.S.C. § 3701(b)(1), (2). NFWF is empowered to “do any and all acts necessary and proper to carry out” these purposes, including, specifically, solicitation, acceptance, administration, and use of “any gift, devise or bequest . . . of real or personal property.” 16 U.S.C. § 3703(c)(1), (11). NFWF’s Congressional charter mandates that it be governed by a Board of Directors that includes the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, and various individuals educated or experienced in fish, wildlife, ocean, coastal, or other natural resource conservation. 16 U.S.C. § 3702(b)(1), (2). NFWF is also required by its charter to submit to Congress annually a report of its proceedings and activities during such year, including a full and complete statement of its receipts, expenditures, and investments. 16 U.S.C. § 3706(a), (b).
(c)The Defendant Terminix International Company Limited Partnership shall remit the Community Service Payment to NFWF by electronic funds transfer. Payment via electronic funds transfer shall be made in accordance with written wiring instructions provided by NFWF through its Chief Financial Officer or Vice President, Impact-Directed Environmental Account.
(d)In administering and implementing the Community Service Project in Section II, below, NFWF shall not incur liability of any nature in connection with any act or omission, made in good faith, in the administration of the funds or otherwise pursuant to this Agreement (including, without limitation, liability arising from impacts on fish, wildlife, plant, or other natural resources, personal injury, or property damage), excepting, however, liability resulting from NFWF's gross negligence or willful misconduct.
(e)Because the Community Service Payment is designated as community service by an organization, the Defendant Terminix International Company Limited Partnership agrees that it will not seek any reduction in its tax obligations as a result of the Community Service Payment. In addition, because this payment constitutes community service, the Defendant will not characterize, publicize or refer to the Community Service Payment as a voluntary donation or voluntary contribution.
II.Community Service Project
NFWF shall in consultation with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region II (“Region II EPA”) and the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources (“VIDPNR”) administer and implement the following project until the Community Service Payment is exhausted.
(a) Commercial Pesticide Applicator Training. The NFWF shall provide funding (whether via contract, grant, or otherwise) to pay the costs of semi-annual training for commercial pesticide applicators and their pesticide-handling employees (apprentices, helpers, agricultural and nursery workers) in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The training program shall be designed to meet or exceed the licensing requirements of the VIDPNR. Specifically:
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The training shall be offered a minimum of one full day twice per year, once each on St. Thomas and St. Croix. Each session shall be open to at least 15 attendees. |
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Each training module shall meet or exceed the standards set by VIDPNR for applicator core certification and recertification, and a core certification module must be offered at every session. The training modules and proposed trainers shall be approved in advance by the Region II EPA and VIDPNR. |
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Each training module shall include topic-specific Integrated Pest Management (“IPM”). Additionally, a stand-alone IPM module shall also be offered (and be made available to the public online) that provides attendees with an understanding of IPM concepts and how to integrate IPM into their business plans. |
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Each training module shall include topic-specific worker safety instruction concerning appropriate personal protective equipment (“PPE”) and safety procedures for the work that the attendees perform, including how to acquire, put on, use, and maintain all PPE, and how to implement appropriate safety procedures. |
(b)Structural Fumigation Training. NFWF shall also provide funding (whether via contract, grant, or otherwise) to pay the costs of annual fumigation training in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The training program shall be designed to meet the licensing requirements of the VIDPNR. Specifically:
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Fumigation training shall be offered once per year (alternating between St. Thomas and St. Croix). Each session shall be open to at least 15 attendees. |
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Fumigation training shall only be provided in a given year if at least five individuals request the training after notice of the availability of the fumigation training has been publicized. |
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Unless otherwise approved by Region II EPA and VIDPNR, structural fumigation training shall only cover sulfuryl fluoride and not any other fumigant. |
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The parties recognize that the fumigant manufacturers provide training and maintain purchasing requirements. NFWF may elect to fund fumigation training through or in conjunction with training provided by any such manufacturer. |
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Fumigation training shall include a module designed for certified applicators with structural category (40 C.F.R. § 171.3(b)(7)) certification and their pesticide-handling employees. All fumigation training modules shall be approved in advance by Region II EPA and VIDPNR. |
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Fumigation training shall cover the acquisition use and maintenance of fully compliant PPE, air concentration level measuring devices, and product metering devices for use with a full spectrum of fumigation pesticides. |
(c)General Requirements. The following general requirements shall apply to all training sessions:
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All training sessions shall be provided free of charge. Attendees shall be responsible for travel, lodging, and associated costs, if any, to attend. |
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As used herein, “year” shall start with the date or anniversary of the date NFWF commenced this community service project. |
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As provided in (a) and (b) above, entities funded by NFWF to perform fumigation training must be approved in advance by Region II EPA and VIDPNR. |
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All dates for training shall be widely publicized, at a minimum through print and social media. Additionally, NFWF shall (either itself or through the entity providing the training) mail notices of the dates for training to all known licensed applicators and pest control companies in the U.S. Virgin Islands based on information to be provided by VIDPNR. |
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All attendees must be provided paper or electronic manuals to take home that are sufficient to serve as reference material for the topics covered. All training materials, including course materials and manuals, must be made available online to attendees following each session. |
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Attendees seeking certification or recertification must be given proof of completion documents sufficient for the award of credit by VIDPNR for core certification or recertification. |
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The NFWF shall annually provide VIDPNR records of the training offered, including the names and contact information of the attendees, attendee scores on the training module examinations, as well as a summary of the cost of the training. |
III.Defendant Terminix International Company Limited Partnership
Defendant’s sole obligations herein are to provide the funding pursuant to Section I. However, at the request of NFWF, and with the approval of Region II EPA and VIDPNR, Defendant may provide technical or other support for the community service project.
