Who should be notified in the event of pesticide leaks and spills?

In the event of pesticide leaks and spills, notifying the County Agricultural Commissioner is critical because they are the authority responsible for regulating pesticides within the county. They have the expertise and jurisdiction to handle pesticide-related incidents, including assessing the situation, determining the potential impact on public health and the environment, and coordinating response efforts. The Commissioner may also provide guidance on any necessary cleanup actions and legal requirements following the incident.

Although the local fire department, Environmental Protection Agency, and neighboring farms can also play roles in response or mitigation, the County Agricultural Commissioner is specifically tasked with overseeing pesticide use and ensuring safety compliance at the local level. This makes them the appropriate first point of contact in such situations.