HARDEE COUNTY - A law enforcement agent with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) recently arrested James Alfred Woods, 65, for violating the Florida Litter Law, a third degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison and/or a fine up to $5,000.

Woods has also been charged with two counts of Failure to Comply with a Department Rule, Regulation or Order, both first degree misdemeanors punishable by up to six months in jail and/or a fine up to $10,000.   

 "Mr. Woods lacked the necessary permits to store construction and demolition debris at his residence and failed to comply with multiple requests to stop bringing materials onto the property," said DEP Division of Law Enforcement Director Henry Barnet. "Thanks to the timely notification and assistance in investigating this crime by the Hardee County Code Enforcement office, DEP law enforcement was able to solve this environmental crime in a quick and efficient manner."

The two-day investigation began on July 14, 2009 after DEP law enforcement received a phone call from Hardee County Code Enforcement in reference to their observation of construction and demolition-type debris at Woods' residence.  The investigation revealed that Woods had illegally stored inoperable vessels, camper trailers not suitable for occupancy, construction and demolition debris, approximately 15 five-gallon cans of paint, vehicles full of used appliances, approximately 150 waste tires weighing in excess of more than 500 pounds, and mounds of used clothing approximately four-five feet tall.  The debris on Woods' property, located at 4423 Bill Woods Road in Ona, covered approximately one acre.  Woods admitted to storing the waste with the intention of selling it for profit.

Environmental crimes are violations of state or federal environmental laws that could impact public health and the environment, such as illegal dumping or improper disposal of used oil. Signs that an environmental crime has taken place could include corroded, leaking or abandoned waste containers; fish kills; illegal debris dumping in a natural area; or foul smelling or unsightly discharges or visible sheens on the ground or water body.

Illegal solid and hazardous waste disposal is a primary focus of DEP's Division of Law Enforcement as illegal dumping can adversely affect underlying aquifers, which are the source for more than 90 percent of the state's drinking water supply.

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 an environmental crime, wireless customers can 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.