Pool Service Busted For Water Pollution == FDEP Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 7, 2008

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


DEP Agents Investigate Violation of Florida Litter Law

--Citizen illegally dumped commercial wastewater into stormwater drain--

BREVARD COUNTY - Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) law enforcement agents recently arrested Rudolfo Milan, an employee of Pinch-A-Penny Pools in Brevard County, for illegally dumping 300-500 gallons of industrial wastewater, which contained four to five gallons of muriatic acid and four to five pounds of sodium bicarbonate. Both Milan, 35, of Merrit Island, and his employer, William Ahern, 51, were charged with commercial littering violations. Both crimes are felonies punishable by up to three years imprisonment and a $50,000 fine.

“We need all citizens to help protect Florida’s environment by reporting environmental crimes, such as illegal dumping of wastewater, to the proper authorities,” said DEP Division of Law Enforcement Director Henry Barnet. “Thanks to concerned local citizens, watchful eyes and a quick response, law enforcement agents were able to quickly and efficiently stop this environmental crime from continuing.”

DEP agents began investigating the incident after receiving complaints to the State Warning Point hotline. Milan had washed a private resident’s pool on Merritt Island and a witness observed Milan pumping the resulting industrial wastewater into a street gutter, which flows into two stormwater drains that run into Sykes Creek. According to the complaint, the industrial wastewater was foaming and bubbling in the street gutter and resulted in discoloration of the gutter.

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, most 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.


storm drain

"We need all citizens to help protect Florida’s environment by reporting environmental crimes, such as illegal dumping of wastewater, to the proper authorities."

~ Henry Barnet
DEP Division of Law Enforcement Director

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