Many citizens and public servants often share their disgust with illegal dumping on county roads. Now, the Logan County Sheriff’s Office has assigned a deputy to the task of stopping illegal dumping and the cleanup process.
Thanks to a grant through the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), the Sheriff’s Office has assigned Environmental Deputy Don Hudgins to lead the project.
“The first few weeks have been spent just trying to get things rolling and get acquainted with everybody that I will be dealing with,” Hudgins said who spearheaded the effort and started the project on Oct. 1.
The Logan County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) approved the agreement with DEQ at their Sept. 15 meeting.
Sheriff Damon Devereaux said the DEQ grant was approximately $45,000 and will help with salary and equipment needs.
Hudgins and his team will be responsible for investigating illegal dumping operations and cooperating with multiple agencies for the cleanup of those illegal dump sites.
Jail trustees will add additional help with the cleanup process.
Jail trustees help pick up trash along side a county road.
County Commissioners, DEQ and Keeping Oklahoma Beautiful are working with the Sheriff’s Office to preserve the environment and beautify the roadsides of Logan County.
District 1 Commissioner Marven Goodman has often shared his disgust on illegal dumping and says he’s strongly encouraged with the program.
“I’m really looking forward working closer with the sheriff’s department and the deputies on cleaning up our roadways,” Goodman said in the BOCC meeting. “We have had a lot of trash dumped out here.”
Lt. Marcus Williams with the Sheriff’s Office says they will seek those who illegally dump.
“In addition to cleanup efforts the Sheriff’s Office plans to hold individuals accountable, who illegally dump items within the County, Williams said.“
Anyone caught dumping illegally could face fines ranging from $200-$5000 in addition to jail time or community service. Hazardous materials dumped could result in felony charges being filed against offenders.
County commissioners keep dumpsters at their County barns where citizens are allowed to dump non-hazardous materials free of charge.
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