When local resident Jim Pickron contacted the Fayetteville (N.C.) Observer-Times, we figured the most that would come about was a human-interest piece about the dangers of careless crop dusting.
Instead, using computers, we found story was about a system gone wrong - that government regulators don't do their job when it comes to watching those who spray pesticides.
Pickron was putting up a fence in his backyard when he was accidently sprayed with chemicals. The state fined the pilot, who admitted his error. We wanted to find out whether Pickron was the victim in an isolated incident. We first asked the state for similar cases. They gave us a printed list of about 200 names of those who misused pesticides in the last two years, plus the victims, the fine, the violation code, and a little more.
I was beginning to learn about computers, and wanted to compile the information into a spreadsheet. The newspaper installed Paradox into the IBM 386 on my desk. I typed for a day and a half. And I noticed some information was missing, such as the full name of complainants and violators.
I went to the state Pesticide Division in Raleigh, and the clerks let me check some of the records in their computer. Their database included more than 50 fields of pertinent information, from types of chemicals to the extent of injuries. In addition, the database included twice as many records as the printout they first gave me. It turned out the printed version they gave me did not include cases where they had taken little action.
I asked for a copy of the database on diskette. The agency balked, claiming they did not have authority to release it since some of the fields were not considered public record. I cited state open records law, and told them required to turn over a version of the database with all fields open for public inspection. They refused. I called the Pesticide Division administrator, and said I was working on a story about how the agency was violating state law by withholding information. I got the diskettes the next day.
The database was invaluable. We used Paradox and found repeat offender, the most common place for violations, and crop dusting that resulted in injuries. Then we used Paradox to print mailing labels - and we sent surveys to every person who filed a complaint in the last two years. The survey showed people believed the agency did not treat them well. We also got victims to tell their stories, vital for the project.
We also imported data to map where violations happened. I used ProfNet to find experts on pesticides. I found sources on several electronic bulletin boards. And I tracked down more information from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. EPA first wanted to charge me $3,000 for printed records on pesticide violations. When I asked for the information on diskette, the agency said that was no problem. And the price? Free.
The result was a five-day series that examined how local, state and federal regulators often failed to ensure the safety of the likes of Pickron. The articles also showed that those endangered people and the environment often went unpunished.
Michael Fabey recently left the Fayetteville Observer-Times for the Journal of Commerce's New York bureau. He can be reached at 1-800-223-0243, or send email to mjf625775@aol.com. His series on pesticides is available from the Investigative Reporters and Editors' morgue. Call 314-882-2042, and ask for morgue number 10179.