An old couch has been illegally dumped alongside a highway. — Oklahoma State University Extension will partner with other agencies to host a free Environmental law enforcement training March 12 in Oklahoma City. Law enforcement professionals, tribal environmental representatives and others interested in strengthening law enforcement efforts are invited to attend. (Photo by Mitchell Alcala, OSU Agriculture)

Environmental law enforcement is the focus of a free training opportunity

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

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

Illegal dumpsites are more than an eyesore — they can pose serious environmental and public health risks. 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 strengthening law enforcement efforts are invited to attend the free training. Chad Keller, senior environmental specialist and investigator with the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, will instruct the class. He is a sergeant with the Criminal Investigation Unit.

When and where: March 12, 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:

Solid and hazardous waste
Agency jurisdictional issues
Air and water pollution
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 certificate 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 405-744-9827 or keima.kamara@okstate.edu.