May 5, 2009         
Vol. 39, No. 202

For more information, contact Chief William McDaniel or Capt. Michael Cook, DNREC Environmental Crimes Unit, 302-739-9401, or Joanna Wilson, Public Affairs, 302-739-9902.

New Castle Man Arrested for Illegal Dumping

            Images captured by surveillance cameras aided DNREC Environmental Protection Officers (EPOs) in making an arrest for illegal dumping in Wilmington.

On April 19, the DNREC-operated cameras caught images of two people getting out of a vehicle on Hay Road and throwing 10 bags of solid waste on the ground. Images included the vehicle’s license tag.

            EPOs arrested vehicle owner Harold G. Johnson, age 48, of Lunenberg Drive in New Castle and charged him with improper disposal of solid waste. On April 30, Johnson pleaded guilty to the charge in Justice of the Peace Court 11 in New Castle. He was fined $500 with $250 suspended and ordered to return to the scene to pick up the trash.

            The DNREC Environmental Crimes Unit monitors locations across the state for illegal dumping activities.

“Illegal dumping not only spoils our landscape, it can also impact the quality of our water, soil and air. We encourage Delawareans to dispose of all of their trash properly and aid in DNREC’s mission to protect our environment and natural resources,” said ECU Chief William McDaniel. “We also encourage citizens to report environmental crimes such as illegal dumping,” McDaniel added.

To report environmental crimes, please call DNREC’s 24-hour environmental complaint line at 800-662-8802. Verizon Wireless customers in Delaware can also call #DNR (367).