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MARION COUNTY – A law enforcement agent with the Florida Department of
Environmental Protection (DEP) recently arrested Manuel Estrada, 34, employee of
A-1 Gibson Septic Tank Service, for improperly disposing more than 150 gallons
of raw sewage and violating the Florida Litter Law, a third degree felony
punishable by up to five years in prison and/or a fine up to $5,000.
“The improper storage and disposal of raw sewage can harm the health of
humans, wildlife and the environment,” said DEP Division of Law Enforcement
Director Henry Barnet. “Thanks to the timely notification and assistance in
investigating this crime by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Unites
States Department of Agriculture Forest Service, and the Florida Department of
Transportation, DEP law enforcement was able to quickly solve this environmental
crime preventing further degradation to the environment.”
The investigation began when DEP law enforcement received a request for
assistance from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, in reference to a complaint
they received in which the suspect was observed dumping raw sewage in the Ocala
National Forest. The investigation revealed that Estrada dumped approximately
150-200 gallons of raw sewage from his company’s septic truck to lighten its
weight in an attempt to free the truck after being stuck on a dirt service road
in the forest. Estrada admitted he was fearful of losing his job for getting the
truck stuck and for having to call a towing company to tow the truck at the
company’s expense. Estrada also faces charges by the Unites States Department of
Agriculture Forest Service and the Florida Department of Transportation.
Environmental crimes are violations of state or federal environmental laws
that could impact public health and the environment, such as illegal dumping or
improper disposal of used oil. Signs that an environmental crime has taken place
could include corroded, leaking or abandoned waste containers; fish kills;
illegal debris dumping in a natural area; or foul smelling or unsightly
discharges or visible sheens on the ground or water body.
Illegal solid and hazardous waste disposal is a primary focus of DEP’s
Division of Law Enforcement as illegal dumping can adversely affect underlying
aquifers, which are the source for more than 90 percent of the state’s drinking
water supply.
DEP’s Division of Law Enforcement is responsible for statewide environmental
resource law enforcement, as well as providing law enforcement services to
Florida’s state parks and greenways and trails. Division personnel from the
three operational bureaus patrol state lands; investigate environmental resource
crimes; and respond to natural disasters, civil unrest, hazardous material
incidents and oil spills that threaten the environment.
To report an environmental crime, wireless customers can dial #DEP. Callers
can also report environmental crimes to the State Warning Point by calling (877)
2-SAVE-FL (1.877.272.8335). General environmental inquiries should be directed
to DEP district offices during normal business hours. For more information about
DEP’s Division of Law Enforcement, visit
www.dep.state.fl.us/law.
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2012 State of Florida