The Minnesota Department of Agriculture will neither confirm nor deny that it is investigating whether beekeepers in the state were using sodium cyanide illegally.
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture will neither confirm nor deny that it is investigating whether beekeepers in the state were using sodium cyanide illegally.
The North Dakota Department of Agriculture's investigation found that some of the chemical from North Dakota was transported into Minnesota, said Jim Gray, pesticide registration coordinator for the ag department.
Paul Liemandt, manager of the environmental response and enforcement section of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, said the department doesn't provide information on ongoing investigations.
However, Liemandt said the department is aware of the investigation in North Dakota, which resulted in $189,500 in fines to 11 individuals and businesses.
"I think it could be offered that we are taking a look at that ourselves," he said.
To see more of the Grand Forks Herald, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.grandforks.com. (c) 2005, Grand Forks Herald, N.D. Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News.
