Capps Landman Arrested in Duval County for Wetlands Destruction -- FDEP Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 6, 2008

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CONTACT: Amy Graham, (850) 245-2112 or (850) 778-7258


DEP Agents Investigate Unauthorized Fill of Wetlands

--Duval County resident charged with wetlands violation--

DUVAL COUNTY - Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) law enforcement agents recently arrested Roy Busby, an employee of April Capps, managing executive of Capps Land Management and Material, LLC in Duval County, for a wetlands violation. Busby was charged with unauthorized fill of jurisdictional wetlands, a first degree misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 and/or six months in jail.

“Capps Land Management and Material is a prominent land clearing and excavating company in the area and they have previously received advisements from the DEP regarding construction in wetlands. An environmental crime was committed when 2,000 square feet of wetlands were filled without prior authorization,” said DEP Division of Law Enforcement Director Henry Barnet. “Thanks to watchful eyes and interagency cooperation, DEP law enforcement agents were able to respond quickly and efficiently to prevent this crime from continuing.”

DEP law enforcement agents were alerted by a DEP Northeast District State Lands Environmental Resource Permitting staff member that a wetlands violation was in progress. The agents witnessed Busby operating heavy equipment in a capacity that compromised an area of wetlands. Busby was identified upon exiting a dozer and issued a notice to appear for unauthorized fill of 2,000 square feet of jurisdictional wetlands.

DEP’s Division of Law Enforcement is responsible for statewide environmental resource law enforcement, providing law enforcement services to Florida’s state parks and greenways and trails. Agents investigate environmental resource crimes and illegal dredge and fill activities and respond to natural disasters, civil unrest, hazardous material incidents and oil spills that can threaten the environment.

To report environmental crime, wireless customers can now 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 business hours.

For more information about DEP’s Division of Law Enforcement, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/law.