For all you waterfront homeowners in Maine, Massachusetts and New Hampshire, let this story be a lesson to you.
A Maine couple faces criminal charges and $1.7 million in damages for using a harmful herbicide, according to an article on Boston.com.
Let’s back up on this, because criminal charges and almost 2 million in damages are a severe punishment, so who, what, where, why and when?
WHO: Amelia and Arthur Bond. They live full time in Missouri; However, they also have a house in Maine where they spend some of their time (probably in the summer).
That: Neighbors in Bonds noticed a decline in their oak trees in July 2022. Due to the decline, an arborist was hired to find out what was happening.
“The arborist found evidence of the herbicide Tebuthiuron, as did a Pesticide Control Board representative who conducted a site inspection,” according to Boston.com.
Where: Metcalf Street. in Camden, me. Overlooking Camden Harbour.
Because: The herbicide tebuthiuron is used to control woody vegetation in grasslands, which are large open areas. NOT used in residential areas as it can be harmful to plants and wildlife.
The herbicide’s hope was to allow the Bond family a better view of Camden Harbour. According to Bond’s attorney, “My client’s position is that the Bonds admitted that they cut down the tops of numerous trees and applied a strong herbicide on their property to improve their view of Camden Harbor.”
When: The herbicide was first sprayed in 2021. The result, the decline of the oak trees, did not occur until 2022. The repercussions for the Bond family are happening now.
Result: According to the Bangor Daily News, the Bonds ultimately faced a $215,200 bill through a consent agreement with the city, plus a $4,500 fine under an agreement with the state. But that’s nothing compared to the $1.5 million the Bonds owe their neighbor, according to the Penobscot Bay Pilot.
Learn from this mistake. Before spraying any herbicide or pesticide, you should research its legality.
There are much stricter rules and laws in coastal areas. Be smart and do your research first. It could end up saving you MILLIONS.
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