$1,000 down the drain for business owner from illegal dumping

A Miami-Dade County business was fine after workers were seen dumping broken concrete and grout down a drain that had a warning: "Dump no waste: Drains to waterway." (WPLG)

MIAMI, Fla. ā€“ A Miami-Dade County business owner was charged for illegally dumping into a storm drain after a special investigations unit found three people dumping broken concrete and grout into a storm drain in front of the business.

The Miami-Dade County Department of Solid Waste Managementā€™s (DSWM) Special Investigations Unit (SIU) levied a $1,000 fine for illegal dumping and the business hired a specialized company to remove the debris remaining in the storm drain. The name of the business was not disclosed.

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Inside the storm drain, the broken concrete that was illegally dumped. (Miami-Dade County Department of Solid Waste Management)

ā€œItā€™s crucial for all of us to take care of our environment, to avoid harming and contaminating our county and our bay,ā€ said Mike Fernandez, DSWM Director. ā€œIn Miami-Dade County, illegal dumping is a crime and if you dump, serious consequences will follow.ā€

On Wednesday, two men faced charges over illegal dumping in Doral lake after witnesses reported seeing a South Florida Vac-Con Service truck disposing of dark water on June 17.

Miami-Dade residents who witness illegal dumping in progress should call 911.

Fernandez advised to never confront someone who is dumping. Instead, attempt to get the vehicle license plate number or a description of the vehicle used to commit the crime. If an instance of illegal dumping has already taken place, call 311.


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