California Fish and Wildlife Officers from Office of Spill Prevention and Response and the North Central Region recently conducted a successful nighttime surveillance operation focused on illegal dumping and pollution crimes.
Officers worked several nights at multiple locations in Sacramento and Placer Counties, all known for illegal roadside dumping.
Five individuals were observed dumping waste including household garbage, used automotive parts, used tires, and used engine oil along the roadway and waterways.
One suspect was observed dumping tires and five gallons of used oil within approximately 20 feet of Steelhead Creek. The oil was safely removed, and a misdemeanor citation was issued. Another suspect was booked into jail due to a felony, no bail arrest warrant. The other three suspects were cited.
As a reminder, per Fish and Game Code, “It is unlawful to deposit, permit to pass into, or place where it can pass into the waters of the state, or to abandon, dispose of, or throw away, within 150 feet of the high water mark of the waters of the state, any cans, bottles, garbage, motor vehicle or parts thereof, rubbish, litter, refuse, waste, debris, or the viscera or carcass of any dead mammal, or the carcass of any dead bird.”
Additionally, per the Penal Code, “It is unlawful to dump or cause to be dumped waste matter in or upon a public or private highway or road, including any portion of the right-of-way thereof, or in or upon private property.” The fine amounts range from $250 to $1000. If the dumped material was used tires, the fine is doubled.
If you observe illegal dumping crimes, you are urged to call CDFW’s CalTip Hotline at 1-888-334-CALTIP (1-888-334-2258)
