Dozens of illegal waste dumpers arraigned in Jim Wells County

Dozens of illegal waste dumpers arraigned in Jim Wells County by Corpus Christi Caller-Times Mark Collette, October 10, 2012
A trucker wipes a spill from the back of his trailer in March. He was cited for disposal of oil field waste in a public road. New enforcement efforts are reducing waste hauling violations in Jim Wells County, officials there say.
JIM WELLS COUNTY — More than 70 people were called in for arraignment in September on oil field waste and illegal dumping violations, Jim Wells County reported. The charges are part of the county’s effort to keep up with the huge increase in heavy truck traffic throughout the area as part of the drilling boom in the Eagle Ford Shale formation. Nearly half of the charges were for illegal disposal of oil field waste or using an unmarked vehicle to transport waste. Thirteen people pleaded guilty or no contest and 22 failed to appear and had warrants issued for their arrest, environmental crimes officer Hector Zertuche said. Some cases were set for trial. Officials said the increased enforcement helps reduce spills and oily slicks that can cause wrecks and pose environmental hazards [Emphasis added]