TALLAHASSEE – In preparation for the digital TV transition in 2009, the Department (DEP) has produced an interactive web-based map that enables citizens to find out where to recycle old televisions. With the digital conversion just months away, DEP expects many unwanted analog televisions to be recycled as new digital televisions are purchased.

“Recycling your television, instead of throwing it away makes a lot of sense. It keeps waste out of landfills, and allows the recovery of electronic components that contain lead and other toxic materials,” said DEP Deputy Secretary for Regulatory Programs Mimi Drew. “Conservation, reuse and recycling of all resources and wastes should be a key component of our lifestyles.”

Some electronics recyclers estimate that as many as one in four households may discard at least one television as a result of the digital conversion. If that happens, Florida could see almost two million televisions recycled in the next few years.

The interactive map feature allows Floridians to identify where to recycle electronics with just one click. DEP’s electronics recycling website also links to a frequently asked questions page that explains what the television broadcast signal conversion is, how to tell whether your television is “digital-ready” and how to get a $40 coupon towards the purchase of a digital-to-analog converter box.

As the result of a recent federal law, all television broadcast signals in the U. S. after February 17, 2009, must be in a digital format. Any television that uses cable or satellite is already able to receive the new digital format signal (digital-ready). Older televisions that use “rabbit ears” or a roof top antenna can only receive the old analog format signal and might not be able to view digital television programming. Owners of older units must either purchase a new television with a digital tuner or a digital-to-analog converter box that allows older television sets to receive the new digital format signal.

If purchasing a new television, DEP encourages consumers to consider buying one that conserves energy. ENERGY STAR qualified televisions use about 30 percent less electricity than standard units, saving both energy and money on utility bills. For more information on ENERGY STAR televisions, visit http://www.energystar.gov/.

To use DEP’s interactive electronics recycling map, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/waste/categories/electronics/pages/televisions.htm. For more information on recycling electronics, visit: http://www.dep.state.fl.us/waste/categories/electronics/default.htm.

PARKER, FL – Department law enforcement agents recently arrested Glendon Ralph Adams, 75, of Parker, for illegally dumping more than 500 waste tires at his business.

“Committing environmental crimes for profit will not be tolerated,” said DEP Division of Law Enforcement Director Henry Barnet. “With the help of our regulatory district, our agents were able to quickly and efficiently solve this environmental crime.”

The arrest follows an investigation conducted by DEP after receiving a complaint of numerous waste tires being stored behind a privacy fence located at the suspect’s business address. The complaint was initiated when the Parker Fire Department responded to a fire on the property and observed waste tires spread out in a large pile, causing a concern for fire and mosquito breeding.

Mr. Adams owns a used car lot at the property, but does not conduct any type of tire sales and is not a permitted waste tire collector or processing facility. Mr. Adams is charged with storing waste tires at a site without a permit, a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to six months of imprisonment and a $10,000 fine. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ law enforcement division also cited him for Prohibited Burning.

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.

BREVARD COUNTY - Department 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.

FORT MYERS BEACH - The Department welcomed the Pink Shell Beach Resort & Spa and the Riviera Villas to the Florida Green Lodging Program on Wednesday. The Pink Shell property is the 5th in Lee County to become a designated member of the Florida Green Lodging Program and the 148th in the state; Riveria Villas is the 2nd property on Fort Myers Beach to become a designated member of the Florida Green Lodging Program and the 166th in the state. The voluntary state initiative provides the lodging industry with technical assistance, encouraging hotels and motels to adopt cost-saving “green” practices that reduce waste and conserve natural resources.

“As the first property on Fort Myers Beach to participate in the program, Pink Shell Beach Resort & Spa models environmentally conscious best practices and can positively affect change within their community,” said Jon Iglehart, Director of DEP’s South District.

“We are proud to recognize Riviera Villas owners James and Pat Purtell for their environmental stewardship,” said Director Iglehart. “The upgrades and management choices they have instituted will not only provide their guests with a rewarding experience but enable future generations to enjoy them as well.”

To become a designated member of the Florida Green Lodging Program, hotels must implement a variety of green practices. These practices include, but are not limited to, water conservation measures through low flow plumbing fixtures and a linen reuse program, and energy efficiency achieved by installing ENERGY STAR® appliances and programmable thermostats. The waste reduction criteria are met by providing the opportunity to recycle, purchasing items in bulk, purchasing recycled materials and by recycling ink and toner cartridges. All designated members of the Florida Green Lodging Program must also use green cleaners and high efficiency air filters, and clean air handler units frequently.

“It’s a great thing to be able to give back to the environment which has provided us with so much enjoyment. By doing this we help to ensure future visitors and generations to come enjoy the beaches, wetlands and waters around the barrier islands of Southwest Florida" says Ellis Etter, Director of Sales & Marketing at Pink Shell Beach Resort & Spa.

"There is no rational reason not to do what we can to conserve or protect our natural resources,” said Riviera’s James Purtell. “The Florida Green Lodging Program is a daily reminder of that premise.”

Recently, Governor Crist announced the 2008 Serve to Preserve Florida Summit on Global Climate Change this June, building on the foundation for Florida’s energy future that began at last year’s summit. During the 2007 summit, Governor Crist signed three executive orders initiating state energy-use policies, including one that requires state agencies and departments to hold meetings and conferences only at hotels with Florida Green Lodging Program designation as of January 1, 2008, whenever possible. The summit will explore technologies and strategies to stimulate economic development in clean technologies as well as “green” Florida’s business community.

Launched in March 2004, the Florida Green Lodging Program establishes environmental guidelines for hotels and motels to conserve natural resources and prevent pollution. As reward for designation, Florida is recommending designated facilities to companies and trade organizations seeking environmentally conscious lodging and convention facilities. With the addition of Pink Shell Resort & Spa, the program has 177 designated properties and more than 335 applicants.

For more information about the Florida Green Lodging Program, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/greenlodging.