FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 29, 2008
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CONTACT: Amy Graham, (850) 245-2112 or (850) 778-7258
DEP Agents Investigate Dredge and Fill Permit Violation
--Citizens illegally pumped spoil material into mangrove swamp--
SARASOTA COUNTY - Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) law enforcement agents recently arrested John Groton, an employee of Manasota Beach Club in Sarasota County, for illegally pumping 900 square feet of spoil material into a mangrove swamp. Both Groton, and his employer, Robert Buffum, were charged with violation of a dredge and fill permit, or failure to obtain a permit, a first degree misdemeanor punishable by up to six months imprisonment and/or a $10,000 fine.
“We need all citizens to help protect Florida’s environment by reporting environmental crimes to the proper authorities,” said DEP Division of Law Enforcement Director Henry Barnet. “An environmental crime was committed when Manasota Beach Club employees improperly disposed of spoil material in a mangrove swamp. Thanks to watchful eyes and concerned citizens law enforcement agents were able to catch the violators and prevent this environmental crime from continuing.”
Buffum was granted a dredge and fill permit to dredge around a dock at his business, the Manasota Beach Club. The permit required spoil material be disposed of in an upland location on the business’ property or be removed to a permissible dumping site. Both Buffum and Groton were explained the terms of the permit in detail by a Sarasota County Environmental Specialist and given instructions to contact her prior to beginning the project so she could conduct a site inspection. The suspects began work on the project themselves without using the contractor described in the permit, failed to notify the Sarasota County Environmental Specialist that work had begun and improperly disposed of 900 square feet of spoil material into a mangrove swamp across from the dock.
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.
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