Environmental Law Enforcement Officer Training slated in Ada

In an effort to help prevent these dump sites from popping up, the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service, Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality and the U.S. Department of Agriculture are joining forces to host the Environmental Law Enforcement Officer Training in Ada. Slated May 8 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the training will take place at the Ada Community Center, 700 N. Mississippi.

Michael Freeman, senior criminal investigator with the ODEQ, will be the presenter. He will speak about agency jurisdictions, environmental crime statutes, give an overview of illegal dumping and show a video about environmental crime awareness for peace officers.

Lynn Malley, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension assistant state specialist, solid waste management programs, said the workshop is open to all citizens and recommended for anyone interested in environmental law or those with a responsibility for preventing illegal dumping in their county.

“We encourage law enforcement officers, tribal environmental representatives, county commissioners, city officials and local citizens to attend,” Malley said. “Illegal dump sites have been an increasing problem across the state for several years and cost taxpayers thousands of dollars to clean up.”

In addition, illegal dump sites can cause contamination of soil, groundwater, drinking water wells, streams and rivers. Other side effects include possible injury to children playing on or around the dump site, damage to plant and wildlife habitats and decrease in the quality of life to nearby residents and the local community.

At the training, participants will learn about illegal dumping and other environmental crimes, investigation and enforcement responsibilities and prevention resources.

Eight hours of CLEET credit is available to law enforcement officers. An additional training workshop will take place May 20 in Lawton.

Registration is $10 and includes lunch if registered by May 1. For additional information and to register for the workshop, please contact Malley at [email protected].

###

Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Governments Cooperating: The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, or status as a veteran, and is an equal opportunity employer.

Trisha Gedon
Communications Specialist
Agricultural Communications Services
136 Agriculture North
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK  74078
405-744-3625 (phone)
405-744-5739 (fax)
[email protected]