Minnesota Aquarium Manufacturer Fined $226K for Alleged Pesticide Violations

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced last month a settlement with Underwater Creations Inc. of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, to stop the sale of unregistered pesticide products. The settlement requires the company to stop production and pay a $226,652 penalty.

Underwater Creations specializes in aquarium design and manufacturing.

EPA cited the company for allegedly distributing or selling five unregistered pesticides – Vibrant Reef, Vibrant Saltwater, Vibrant Freshwater, Expel, and Purge – intended to destroy aquarium pests.

Under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, products that claim to kill, destroy, prevent, or repel pests, including the sort found in an aquarium, are considered pesticides and must register with EPA to ensure they perform as intended and are appropriately labeled before distribution or sale.