Chemical Fumes Hit Park Rapids Farm

The Department of Agriculture is currently investigating strong chemical fumes near a couples farm in Park Rapids.

According to the Bemidji Pioneer, Marv Koktavy, and his wife Peg of Park Rapids, reported strong fumes, that made Marv Koktavy feel “woozy” while he was working on his car.  The fumes could even be smelled inside their house.

Sheriff Cory Aukes confirmed he had sent a deputy out to the farm due to a complaint on October 6th. “Due to the nature of the complaint we turned over the investigation to the Department of Agriculture,” said Aukes.

A media relations spokesperson for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture reported that because it is an ongoing investigation, information cannot be given out.

An R.D. Offutt field applied the pesticide Vapam to their fields according to the Park Rapids Enterprise.

According to the Amvac Chemical Corporation, ” Vapam is a very effective soil fumigant for the suppression and/or control of nematodes, soil-borne diseases, soil-borne insects, wees and germinating weed seeds.”

Following the MSDS sheet of Vapam, effects from overexposure can be  skin and eye irritation, running nose, dizziness, cramps, etc.

The Bemidji Pioneer has reported that on October 6th, a small group of people holding signs calling for action against RDO’s pesticide use in front of the Park Rapids McDonald’s.