FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 11, 2001
OFFICERS
EXECUTE SEARCH TO LOCATE POSSIBLE HAZARDOUS WASTE
Jacksonville
-- Department of
Environmental Protection law enforcement officers conducted a
search this morning at the Respess Grimes Engraving Company,
located at 960 and 962 North Market Street. The owners are
suspected of the illegal storage and disposal of hazardous waste.
DEP’s
ongoing investigation of Respess Grimes began on February 21, 2001
after DEP agents received information from the Jacksonville
Sheriff’s Office and the Duval County Code Enforcement office
regarding large quantities of hazardous waste being stored on the
site. Based on this information, DEP officers from the Division of
Law Enforcement and the Bureau of Emergency Response conducted an
inspection of the dilapidated facility. During this inspection,
officers noticed several 55-gallon drums, many of which were
leaking their contents.
After
this inspection, the officers contacted the owners and informed
them that they had to remove the drums and properly dispose of the
material. Additional information revealed that neither had
occurred, where upon the agents obtained the search warrant.
“If the
evidence reveals that there has been a crime committed, DEP will
take every action necessary to bring those responsible to justice,”
said Thomas S. Tramel, III, Director of DEP's Division of Law
Enforcement. “Illegal storage and disposal of hazardous waste is
a crime and can be a serious threat to public health and safety.
Due to the dilapidated condition of the building, we were
concerned that members of the public could have gained access to
the interior of the facility. Actions taken by the DEP in cases
such as this helps to prevent the leaching of these hazardous
chemicals into our groundwater and springs systems.”
In
addition to DEP’s Division of Law Enforcement, which spearheads
Florida’s Environmental Crimes Strike Force, other participating
investigatory agencies include: the Jacksonville Sheriff’s
Office, Duval County Code Enforcement, Duval County Department of
Public Health, Jacksonville Fire Department Hazardous Materials
Team, State Attorneys Office for the 4th
Judicial Circuit Special Prosecutions Unit, and the U. S.
Environmental Protection Agency.
If convicted for unlawful
treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste, the owners
could face a sentence of up to five years in prison and/or a fine
of $50,000 for each day of violation.
Citizens wishing to
report crimes that can severely impact the environment or public
health can offer tips to environmental investigators by calling
toll-free: 1-877-2 SAVE FL or (1-877-272-8335). Phones will
be attended 24-hours per day, with tips immediately directed to
DEP’s Division of Law Enforcement for follow-up.
Press Office
