STILLWATER, Okla. – To help combat the issue of illegal roadside dumps, Oklahoma State University Extension is partnering with the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality and the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Rural Development to host an Oklahoma Environmental Law Enforcement Training in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Who and what: Law enforcement professionals, city officials, tribal environmental representatives, county commissioners and anyone interested in learning about environmental law enforcement are invited to participate in the free workshop. Chad Keller and Ryan Rosser will instruct the class. Keller is senior environmental specialist and investigator with the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality and is a sergeant with the Criminal Investigation Unit. Rosser is a senior assistant special agent for the Environmental Protection Agency Criminal Investigation Division.
When and where: March 5, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Oklahoma County OSU Extension Center, 2500 NE 63rd St., Oklahoma City. There is a one-hour break from noon to 1 p.m. for lunch on your own.
Why: Roadside dumpsites are not only unsightly and illegal, but they also wreak havoc on the environment. These sites can cause contamination of soil, groundwater, drinking water wells, streams and rivers. Other side effects include possible injury to children playing in or around the site, damage to plant and wildlife habitats, and a decrease in the quality of life for nearby residents and the local community. Participants will gain expertise in environmental crime investigations involving the following topics and more:
• Dealing with hazardous waste
• Danger at environmental crime scenes
• Oklahoma and Federal Clean Air Acts
• Open burning
• Safe Drinking Water Act
• Responding to crime scenes
• Oklahoma’s littering and dumping laws Participants will also learn more about identifying resources for improving local enforcement programs and have an opportunity to network with others involved in law enforcement.
Participants will receive a certifi cate of participation. Those in law enforcement will earn eight hours of CLEET credit after completing the class.
For more information or to register for the free workshop, contact Keima Borsuah at 405744-9827 or [email protected].
OSU Extension uses research- based information to help all Oklahomans solve local issues and concerns, promote leadership and manage resources wisely throughout the state's 77 counties. Most information is available at little to no cost.
