Latest news with #MCPA
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Michigan Attorney General warns of price gouging amid ice storm aftermath in Northern Michigan
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)– Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel urges northern Michigan residents to watch out for price gouging and deceptive business practices amid the recent ice storm. Nessel notes that some companies might exploit the emergency by inflating prices or engaging in unfair business practices. 'Bad actors often see emergencies as an opportunity to take advantage of people in need,' Nessel said in a news release sent to 6 News. 'We need residents to be our eyes and ears and report potential price gouging or deceptive business practices. Filing a complaint with our office can protect your community against these scammers.' Nessel also warns that tree services could exploit residents. Tree services are not licensed, and customers should vet them thoroughly and request written quotes to show the total project cost before signing any agreements. According to Nessel, Michigan law prohibits service providers from charging prices that are 'grossly in excess' of what others are charging for similar services. The Michigan Consumer Protection Act (MCPA) says illegal practices include: Gross discrepancies between the oral representations of the seller and the written agreement covering the same transaction or failure of the other party to the transaction to provide the promised benefits. Charging the consumer a price that is grossly in excess of the price at which similar property or services are sold. Causing coercion and duress as the result of the time and nature of a sales presentation. Making a representation of fact or statement of fact material to the transaction such that a person reasonably believes the represented or suggested state of affairs to be other than it actually is. mcl-act-331-of-1976Download Anyone could file a complaint about to the Michigan Attorney General's Office. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Agriland
28-04-2025
- Health
- Agriland
66 pesticide exceedances in public drinking water supplies in 2024
66 pesticide exceedances were detected in public drinking water supplies in Ireland last year, compared to 52 exceedances in 2023, according to Uisce Éireann. In 2024, the national water utility carried out 34,000 analyses of samples from public drinking water supplies. The number of pesticide exceedances in public drinking water supplies in Ireland has decreased significantly since 2017, by more than 50%. While the overall compliance rate remains very high, Uisce Éireann said that all stakeholders must make sustained efforts and be vigilant to protect drinking water quality. The most frequently detected pesticide substance in Ireland's drinking water is MCPA, an active substance in many herbicide products commonly used to control thistle, dock, and rush. Pesticide Currently, several catchment areas are prioritised for action, where Uisce Éireann has detected recurring pesticide exceedances through its monitoring programmes. These include Hacketstown, Co. Carlow, Greenmount, Co. Louth, and Foynes Shannon Estuary, Co Limerick. The National Pesticides and Drinking Water Action Group (NPDWAG) and local catchment-based focus groups, established to coordinate targeted actions at a local level, are prioritising these areas for further work in 2025. Similar targeted action in recent years in areas such as Belturbet, Co. Cavan and Newport, Co. Mayo has successfully eliminated pesticide exceedances in those water supplies. Dr. Pat O'Sullivan, Uisce Éireann's drinking water compliance senior manager, emphasised the need for collective action. 'Last year, we detected pesticide exceedances 66 times in 22 public drinking water supplies. A concerning trend is the number of exceedances outside the spraying season for certain plant protection products, particularly in winter. 'We want to remind users to be mindful of water sources when using pesticides, as one drop of pesticide can be detected in a stream up to 30km away,' he said. The NPDWAG has reminded all users of herbicides and other pesticide products to always take account of the vulnerability of their local drinking water supplies when making decisions about the possible use of pesticides and to be aware of how their actions could impact their community's drinking water. Dr. Aidan Moody, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) and chair of NPDWAG, said that an integrated pest management approach must be followed, in which the potential to use alternative control methods is fully considered. 'Users of pesticides must always consider the possibilities for alternative control methods in the first instance. If pesticide application is considered essential, ensure they follow best practices to protect water quality. This approach is a win-win for water quality and biodiversity,' Dr. Moody said. Farmers and other landholders dealing with the challenge of rushes should note and follow the DAFM guidance on the sustainable management of rushes. This approach is based on the concepts of containment or suppression and aims to minimise the use of pesticides. Correct usage If pesticides must be used, Uisce Éireann highlighted the following basic steps to reduce risks to drinking water sources and the aquatic environment: Always read the product label carefully and only use product as directed on the label; Note that a closed spray period, during which product use is not permitted, is specified on the label for some products (e.g., products containing MCPA). Products containing MCPA are not approved for use in weed-wipers; Do not use pesticides if rain is forecast in the next 48 hours; Make sure you are aware of the location of all nearby watercourses, including drains, wells and springs; Comply with either a minimum 3m no-spray buffer zone for any watercourse subject to CAP conditionality, or a larger product-specific aquatic buffer zone specified on a product label if one has been set; Avoid spills, stay well back from open drains, and rinse empty containers three times into the sprayer; Store and dispose of pesticides and their containers properly; Never fill a sprayer directly from a watercourse or carry out mixing, loading, or other handling operations beside a watercourse; Never fill/wash a sprayer on concrete or sealed surface areas where spillage/runoff to drains/watercourses is possible; Never leave a sprayer unattended during filling or mixing/agitating, regardless of location. Uisce Éireann has also launched a pilot study in Cavan's Erne-Larah catchment to encourage farmers to consider the vulnerability of the water supplies to pesticide contamination. This pilot study aims to assist Uisce Éireann with capturing new data and learnings on how different protection measures can improve water quality.
The Journal
28-04-2025
- Health
- The Journal
Increase in number of drinking water supply samples exceeding legal limits for pesticides
THERE HAS BEEN an increase in the number of drinking water supply samples that exceed legal limits for pesticides. Uisce Éireann's public water supply monitoring programme found 66 exceedances in 2024 from more than 34,000 analyses, compared to 52 exceedances in 2023. The pesticide levels detected in the monitoring programmes do not pose a risk to health, the body said. These include herbicides such as MCPA, which is used to control dock and thistle, and in Ireland is commonly used to control rushes – meaning it's used close to water courses. As it's water soluble, it's more prone to leaching and run-off to nearby water bodies. There have been recurring cases of samples coming back with high levels of pesticides in Hacketstown, Co Carlow, Greenmount, Co Louth and Foynes Shannon Estuary, Co Limerick. Advertisement These areas will be the subjects of targeted action now, the likes of which Uisce Éireann says was successful in reducing pesticides found in water in Belturbet, Co Cavan and Newport, Co. Mayo. It added that while the overall compliance rate remains 'very high', all stakeholders should stay vigilant to protect drinking water quality. These include Uisce Éireann itself, as well as other state bodies related to water, agriculture and health, such as the HSE and the Irish Farmers' Association. Uisce Éireann and the National Pesticides and Drinking Water Action Group are urging farmers, greenkeepers, amenity users and domestic pesticide users to carefully evaluate the necessity of using pesticides. 'Pesticides should only be applied when essential and after considering alternative methods.' As well as improving water quality, minimising pesticide use can allow native flowering plant species to grow, which in turn supports insects, including bees and other important pollinators. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Yahoo
Illegal gambling machines on the rise in Michigan, attorney general says
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — Gambling is heavily regulated in the state of Michigan, but Attorney General Dana Nessel is advising consumers that illegal gambling machines claiming to be 'skill games' are on the rise in the state. These machines are styled after casino slot machines, with multiple wheels and symbols lsuchg as cherries, sevens and bars. They also have a pay table showing potential prizes. Players insert cash or credits and then spin the wheels, with some machines letting playesrs adjust a wheel to line up the symbols. Despite claiming they are games of skill, these games rely on preset outcomes or random number generation—making them games of chance instead. Michigan law bans misleading claims on gambling machines, making these machines illegal. A business operating these machines can face legal consequences under the Michigan Consumer Protection Act, such as criminal charges, civil penalties, and licensing risks. Under the MCPA, the attorney general can ask a court to strop these activities and fine violators up to $25,000 for repeat offenses. Consumers may also be able to sue for money lost at illegal gaming centers. If you suspect illegal gambling, the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) encourages you to report it. You can do so through the following means: Contacting the MGCB by leaving an anonymous tip at 1-888-314-2682 or emailing MIGambingTip@ Filing a complaint with the attorney general online at link. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
