Roadside area covered in trash. — Oklahoma State University Extension is partnering with the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality and the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Rural Development to host a free Oklahoma Environmental Law Enforcement Training Seminar on March 9 in Oklahoma City. (Photo by Shutterstock)

Free environmental law enforcement training available March 9 in OKC

Friday, February 10, 2023

Media Contact: Trisha Gedon | Sr. Communications Specialist | 405-744-3625 | trisha.gedon@okstate.edu

Illegal roadside dumps continue to plague Oklahoma. To help combat this issue, Oklahoma State University Extension is partnering with the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality and the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Rural Development to host the Oklahoma Environmental Law Enforcement Training Seminar in Oklahoma City.

The training will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 9 at the Oklahoma County OSU Extension office, 2500 NE 63rd St., Oklahoma City. The event is geared toward law enforcement officers, tribal environmental representatives, county commissioners, city officials and local citizens. Testing and certification will take place from 4 to 5 p.m. Eight hours of law enforcement credit is provided. The free seminar is limited to 50 participants, and pre-registration is required. Participants will have lunch on their own.

“Illegal roadside dumps are not only unsightly, but they’re also dangerous,” said Keima Borsuah, OSU Extension assistant state specialist with the Solid Waste Management Program at OSU. “They have a negative impact on the environment by contaminating the soil, ground water, drinking water, wells and streams. Unfortunately, they continue to be a problem, especially along Oklahoma’s backroads.”

Borsuah also pointed out these illegal dumpsites can decrease the quality of life in nearby communities and have a negative effect on property values.

Participants will receive the following:

Expertise in environmental crimes investigations involving solid and hazardous waste, air and water pollution, open burning and agency jurisdiction issues.
Knowledge in identifying resources for improving local law enforcement programs.
Networking opportunities with others involved in environmental law enforcement.

Dennis Williams, chief of the Criminal Investigations Unit with ODEQ, will instruct the class. He is a CLEET-certified peace officer and is cross-commissioned with the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service.

For additional information or to register for the class, contact Borsuah at 405-744-9827.