Environmental law enforcement officer training slated
By Trisha Gedon
                          
STILLWATER, Okla. – If you take a drive down the back roads of Oklahoma, it is likely you will find an illegal dump site. While they are unsightly, illegal, and can cause damage to the environment, they are also unattractive to those who might otherwise choose to move into a community.

In an effort to help prevent these dump site 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 an Environmental Law Enforcement Officer Training. Slated April 16 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the training will take place at the Kiamichi Technology Center in Poteau.

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, ground water, 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 environmental crimes, investigation and enforcement responsibilities and prevention resources. 

Registration covers lunch and is $10 if registered before March 31. Registration is $20 at the door.  Registration may be done online after March 1. For additional information please contact Malley at lynn.malley@okstate.edu, or to register online, go to www.agecon.okstate.edu/waste. 

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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)
trisha.gedon@okstate.edu