Stipulated Settlement Agreement in the Matters of Pestmaster Services, Inc. and Jeffery M. Van Diepen, DPR No. 20-001L
The Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) reached a settlement agreement (Agreement) with Pestmaster Services, Inc. and its owner, Jeffery M. Van Diepen on August 6, 2020. Pestmaster Services, Inc. holds a Pest Control Business License-Main (license number 30261) and Pest Control Business License-Branch (license number 44787). Jeffery M. Van Diepen holds a Qualified Applicator License (license number 98147). This letter is intended to alert you to the Agreement and request your assistance in ensuring compliance with its terms.
DPR found that Pestmaster Services, Inc. and Jeffery M. Van Diepen violated multiple sections of the Food and Agricultural Code and Title 3 of the California Code of Regulations over several years by performing pest control work on federal property but failing to register and report use activities in counties throughout the state. Pest control businesses are required to register in a county before performing any pest control work, even when only working on federal properties. Refer to Pesticide Use Enforcement Program Standards Compendium, Volume 1 for more guidance on pesticide use on federal property.
As a result of those violations, DPR placed the Licensees on a 36-month probation to monitor them for compliance with all California pesticide laws. Licensees are also required to submit quarterly reports to DPR regarding its pest control work in California. If, during the 36-month probationary period, the Licensees are determined by DPR to have committed any new violation under the jurisdiction of DPR or the County Agricultural Commissioner, or fail to comply with the terms of the Agreement, DPR may proceed with formally revoking one or more of the Licensees’ licenses. Enclosed is a copy of the Agreement, describing the terms agreed between the Licensees and DPR to resolve this matter. Please take note if the Licensee(s) operate or intend to operate within your county, and contact your Enforcement Branch Liaison with any questions or relevant information related to compliance with the Agreement.
The Structural Pest Control Board (SPCB) also found that the Licensees violated structural requirements for failing to register and maintain required documentation over several years throughout the state. SPCB settled with the Licensees, placed the Company Registration Certificate No. PR 152, Branch Office Registration No. BR 5576, and Operator’s License No. OPR 7872 on probation for three years, and is also requiring the submission of quarterly reports to SPCB. The terms and conditions of SPCB’s settlement agreement can be found on its Website, http://www.pestboard.ca.gov/public/pr_152_sa.pdf.
If you have questions, please contact the Enforcement Branch Liaison assigned to your county.
Sincerely,