ORDER NO. :'7505
RPF'ROVRL OF F'ROCLRMRTION TO DECLRRE RF'RIL B-ice
RS ENVIRONMENTRL CRIME PREVENTION WEEK.
On this the 8th day of Rpril, '~00c ~.ipon motion made 6y
Commissioner Baldwin, seconded by Commissioner Williams, the
Court unanimously approved by a vote of 4-0-0, to adopt the
proclamation to declare Rpril 8th through Rpril i^cth, 200 as
Environmental Crime Prevention Week and a~_itharize the County
J~_idge to sign same.

COMMISSIONERS' COURT AGENDA REQUEST
PLEASE FURNISH ONE ORIGINAL AND NINE COPIES OF THIS REQUEST AND DOCUMENTS TO BE
REVIEWED BY THE COURT.
MADE BY: Fred He OFFICE: County Judae
MEETING DATE: April 8, 2002 TIME PREFERRED:
SUBJECT: (PLEASE BE SPECIFIC)
Consider and discuss proclamation to declare April 8 through 12, 2002 as Environmental Crime
Prevention Week.
EXECUTIVE SESSION REQUESTED: (PLEASE STATE REASON)
NAME OF PERSON ADDRESSING THE COURT:
ESTIMATED LENGTH OF PRESENTATION:
IF PERSONNEL MATTER -NAME OF EMPLOYEE:
Count~Jud~e
Time for submitting this request for Court to assure that the matter is posted in accordance with Title 5, Chapter
551 and 552, Government Code, is as follows:
Meeting scheduled for Mondays:
THIS REQUEST RECEIVED BY:
THIS REQUEST RECEIVED ON:
5:00 P.M. previous Tuesday.

All Agenda Requests will be screened by the County Judge's Office to determine if adequate information has been
prepazed for the Court's formal consideration and action at time of Court Meetings. Your cooperation will be
appreciated and contribute towazds you request being addressed at the earliest opportunity. See Agenda Request Rules
Adopted by Commissioners' Court.
Environmental Crime Prevention Week
Kerr County, Texas
WHEREAS, deliberate and unlawful dumping of toxic materials is no
different than other criminal acts; and
WHEREAS, environmental crime can harm a countless number of
people, sometimes over a period of years or even decades; and
WHEREAS, all of us are affected by environmental crime, whether our
tax dollars are used to clean up an illegal dump site or the quality of the air
we breathe and the water we drink is diminished; and
WHEREAS, the Texas Environmental Task Force was established by
Executive Order to bring the combined resources and expertise of local,
state and federal law enforcement and environmental agencies to bear on
environmental criminals; and
WHEREAS, the Texas Environmental Task Force operations have
resulted in convictions against 113 individuals and 24 corporations, 190
felony counts, court orders exceeding $34 million in criminal and civil
penalties, and court ordered sentencing totaling 118 years in jail time and
283 years of probation; and
WHEREAS, Texas leads the nation in the investigation and prosecution
of environmental crime
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Fred Henneke County Judge of Kerr
Counter ,Texas, do hereby designate Apri18 through 12, 2002, as
Environmental Crime Prevention Week.
IN WITNESS THEREOF, I have set my hand and caused the seal of
the County of Kerr ,Texas to be affixed this _ day of
2002.
!~
_ ~_
~_
i
TNRCC
Environmental News and Tips That Help You Take Care of Texas.
Did You Know That Polluting Our
Environment Can Be a Crime?
Common crimes committed by everyday
citizens include intentionally dumping used
oil, dumping litter and trash, and discarding
lead-acid "car" batteries.
acing the past decade, Texans have
enjoyed a booming economy and
many pazts of the state have seen a
sharp increase in population. With
that growth comes added pressures on the
environment.
Many of the things that Texans have done
for generations, such as dumping then
trash at un-permitted locations, throwing
away old car batteries, and dumping used
motor oil behind the garage, aze crimes
that can cazry a fine and even a jail sentence.
Although these acts have always been
hazmftil to the environment and many have
been crimes for a very longtime,
they were not considered serious (~
crimes in the past /(J\
However, we now have a
greater understanding of the
extent and duration of the ~
harm these activities have '~
on the envronment. This ~ L
greater understanding,
along with the increase
in the population and the
amount of people engaging
in these type of activities, has
made it necessary to aggressively
investigate and prosecute these types of
environmental crimes.
Environmental Crime
~'revention Week
April 8 -12, 2002
Used Motor Oil
The crime: Intentionally dumping used
motor oil.
The punishment: A fine between
$1,000 and $50,000 and up to five yeazs of
imprisonment for each day the violation
has occurred.
The reason: One reason the punishment
is so high is that just one quart of used
motor oil can contaminate a quarter million
gallons of water.
Most people agree that pouring used
motor oil into the local water supply would
be a desttuctive act. Yet, many people still
think there is nothing wrong with dumping
dirty momr oil in a ditch or a weedy
patch behind rhea garage.
However, rain creates runoff from
virtually any place used motor
oil might be dumped and contaminated
mnoff is one of the greatest causes of
water pollution today.
Unfortunately, most people who do not
recycle used motor oil get rid of it by
pouting i[ down drains and sewers,
dumping it on the ground, or putting it in
trash cans. All of these methods are illegal.
The solution: Far people who change
rhea own motor oil, the only legal way to
dispose of the dirty oil is to place it in a
clean, leak-proof container with a tight lid
such as an empty milk jug. It should never
be mixed with antifreeze, solvents, bleach,
or other substances. The used oil should
then be taken to a registered collection
center Mast quick lobe service centers,
such a Jiffy Labe, Quick Lube, Wal-mart
Tire and Lube Express, and Auto Zone,
accept used motor oil for recycling.
To obtain the location of the nearest
used oil collection center, call
1-800-CLEAN[Jp.
(aver)
Litter and Trash
The crime: Dumping litter and trash at
an un-permitted location.
The punishment: For dumping, a fine
between $200 and $4,000 dollars depending
on the amount and type of waste dumped,
a potential jail sentence of up to one yeaz
in jail, and the possible loss of the vehicle
used doting the violation. Also, property
owners may have to pay for getting their
Property cleaned up because they allowed
someone to dump on their property.
The reason: Litter and illegally dumped
garbage are public health hazazds. Children
playing azound illegally dumped litter can
get hun by broken glass, exposed metal,
and other dangerous materials. Rats, snakes,
mosquitoes, and other pests can live in the
garbage and transmit disease to humans.
Rotting food attracts flies, which cazry
germs that can make people sick. Harmful
chemicals and other materials that are
dumped can contaminate our water.
Litter and trash dumping are also public
safety problems. Dumping in drainage
ditches can cause flooding, because if the
ditches are full of garbage or other material,
water cannot flow properly.
Blegal dumping casts money. When a
county worker cleans up litter and illegal
dumps, tax dollars are spent to clean it up
and cannot be used for other needs.
Blegal dumping is ugly. When one person
dumps fitter or trash, others follow. Garbage
builds up until someone cleans it up, ofren
at a cost passed down to citizens.
The solution: F'md out what choices
there aze to get rid of garbage legally. Talk
to local government officials about creating
options if there aze none.
Reduce the amount of garbage produced
by buying brands with less packaging. Buy
products in bulk quantities or buy refills.
When there is less packaging, there is less
garbage. Instead of disposable products,
buy things that can be washed and reused.
F'md other uses for things instead of
throwing them away.
Many communities now have recycling
centers. Call community leaders to find out
about such recycling options, or ro support
a center if one does not exist.
Lead-Acid Batteries
The crone: Knowingly disposing of or
discazding a lead-acid or "car" battery
anywhere except at an authorized collection
or recycling center.
The punishment: Up to a $4,000 fine
and up to one yeaz in jail. Each day and each
battery is wnsidered a sepazate offense.
The reason: Lead is a strong poison.
Too much lead in the body can damage
the brain and nervous system, blood,
kidneys, the digestive system, and the
reproductive system.
In 1985, the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) declared lead-
acidbatteries ahazardous waste. Hazardous
wastes require special disposal. Routinely
discarding batteries into our municipal
landfills is a problem throughout the
country, because about 75 percent of
Americans who change their own car
batteries throw them away.
The solution: Texas enacted a law in
1992 that made it illegal to dispose of a
lead-acid battery in any manner other than
through a battery dealer or approved
collection or recycling center This legisla-
tionalso mandates that when citizens buy
new automotive batteries at an auto parts
store, gas station, or repair shop, the dealer
is required to accept the old one. These
used batteries are then sold to companies
that recycle the batteries in lazge volumes.
To find a location [hat accepts lead-acid
batteries, please call 1-800-CLEAN-UP.
Reporting Environmental Crimes
To report an environmental crime,
please call:
TNRCC Environmental Violafions
Hot line
1-888.777.3186
or
TNRCC Special Imrestigations Section
512/239-3405
There aze other environmental crimes
besides those discussed above. Some of the
most common are the dumping of bagels
of wastes and the dumping of septic waste.
For anyone coming across such wastes,
safety is a major consideration. For instance,
barrels with some wastes could explode if
kicked or tipped. Always stay upwind of
and preferably 50 feet away from dumped
barrels. Never approach a fire or a spill.
Keep others away from the atra and
corstact the local fire depardnent.
Additional information on environmen-
tal crime enforcement is available on the
TNRCC Web site ar.
www.tnrtr.state.tx.us/legal/si/aime.html
Texas Law
Texas faces diverse environmental
problems, including polluted air in the
state's major urban areas, contaminated
surface and drinking water, degradation
of coastal areas and critical wildlife
habitats, and solid waste disposal
needs. In response, the Texas Legislature
enacted legislation in the early t990s
that created additional criminal penalties
for violations of the state's environmen-
tal laws and regulations.
In addition to these new laws, the
governor signed an executive order
creating the Texas Environmental
Enfomement Task Force. The task force
is composed of staff from the different
federal, state, and local agencies
involved in enforcing Texas' environ-
mentalprotection laws and regulations.
The goal of the task force is to coordi-
nate federal and state efforts in the
investigation and prosecution of criminal
violations of state and federal environ-
mental laws. As a result of these mea-
sures, Texas now sets the standard for
the nation on the investigation and pros-
ecution of environmental crimes.
Robert J. Huston, Chairman
R. B. "Ralph" Marquez, Commissioner
Kathleen Hartnett White, Commissioner
Jeffrey A. Saitas, Executive Director
I ~~~~
~_ ~'
TEXAS NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Protecting Texas by Reducing and Preventing Pollution
March 4, 2002
;Jj");
~©~~
4
Dear Texan: ~'~
Please join the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC) and the Texas ~~~(
Environmental Enforcement Task Force for their third annual "Environmental Crime Prevention ~
Week in Tezas," Apri18 - 12, 2002.
As an elected or appointed official whose agency plays a role in environmental protection or the
enforcement ofenvironmental laws and regulations, the activities planned during this special week will
provide you with many opportunities to gather information for your employees and constituents, as well
as to participate in a special ceremony to recognize the Task Force. The ceremony will be hosted by our
agency and the Houston Community College System Law Enforcement Training Center, 555
Community College Drive, Houston, Texas, Apri] 12, 2002, at 10:00 a.m. The ceremony will feature
an exhibit depicting the history and progress of the Task Force, a press conference, and a closing
reception in the Amphitheater.
While many of the week's activities will be based from Houston, I encourage you to share the enclosed
information brochures with your employees, constituents, and media outlets, and to sponsor an
observance of this special week in your local community. You may consider appearing on a talk show
or speaking to local law enforcement officers and community groups about environmental crime and
how they can help prevent it. Getting the word out is very helpful however you choose to do it.
I would like to offer my personal thanks and congratulations to the Task Force members and their
sponsoring agencies for a decade of unprecedented success. I encourage your continued support and
participation. Your efforts to combat environmental crime and to train others to mirror your efforts are
phenomenal.
Ifyou have any questions or need additional information, please contact Ms. Barbara Foreman, Manager,
Special Investigations, TNRCC, phone 512/239-3405, or a-mail bforeman@tmcc.state.tx.us. I look
forward to your participation, as I know you will help make "Environmental Crime Prevention Week
in Texas" a huge success.
Sincerely,
~~/~
Robert J. Huston
Chairman
Enclosures: 5
P.O. Box 13087 • Austin, Texas 78711-3087 • 512/239-1000 • Internet address: www.tnrcc.state.tx.us
~ws
Natural Resource Conservation Commission • PO Box 13087 • AustinTX 7871 I-3087
Contact: Barbara Foreman
512/ 239-3416
Environmental Crime Prevention Week Designated
The state's environmental agency dedicates a week to educating Texas about the harm caused by
dumping and other illegal pollution. The Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission
(TNRCC) has designated April 8 through 12 as Environmental Crime Prevention Week.
The most common environmental crimes involve the illegal dumping of various pollutants like
septic waste, household gazbage, used motor oil, auto batteries and barrels of hazardous waste.
Activifies planned for the week include educational forums with community groups and law
enforcement, a traveling exhibit on preventing environmental crime, police officer training, and a
ceremony recognizing environmental crime fighters.
"Environmental crime not only impacts our air and water quality, it impacts our pocketbook,"
said Bazbaza Foreman, Manager of Special Investigations for the TNRCC. "As taxpayers we all
pay to clean it up."
Texas is a national leader in the investigating and prosecuting of environmental crime. This
distinction is a direct result of the formation of the Texas Environmental Crime Task Force. The
task force's sole responsibility is to combat environmental crime, both directly and by informing
and training Texas peace officers.
Created in 1991, the task force exists to increase federal and state cooperation in prosecuting
criminal violations of state and federal environmental laws. The task force is comprised of
designated staff from various local, state, and federal agencies that become involved in
prosecuting environmental crime cases. The participating agencies collaborate in conducting
seazches, taking and analyzing samples, and performing other functions necessary to support
criminal investigations and prosecutions.
- more -
An environmental message brought to you by the Event Coordination and Education Section.
(y®princed on recycled paper using soy-based ink
The task force has helped secure convictions of 113 individuals and 24 corporations for 190
felonies and 86 misdemeanors. People convicted of environmental crimes have been sentenced
to a total of 118 years in correctional facilities and assessed more than $34 million in criminal
and civil penalties.
"We aze sending a message that environmental crimes aze serious and that and the laws which
protect our environment aze being vigorously enforced," said Foreman.
For more information about Environmental Crime Prevention Week, call the TNRCC at (512)
239-3405. Information for peace officers is available on the Internet at
www.tnrcc.state.tx.us/legal/si/crime.html.
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