Environmental Crimes Unit

The Franklin County Sheriff's Office Environmental Crimes Unit currently employs one (1) full-time deputy who is responsible for the investigation, arrest or citation and prosecution of persons and/or corporations, suspected of violating the environmental laws of the State of Ohio, within Franklin County.

This would include, but not limited to; littering, open dumping, open burning, air pollution, water pollution and the transportation of scrap tires.

The Environmental Crimes Unit works closely with the Franklin County Prosecutor's Office, Franklin County Public Health, and the City of Columbus Department of Public Services, funded by Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio, the Environmental Crimes unit is responsible for conducting periodic inspections of scrap and junkyards within Franklin County. The ECU is also a part of a federal Environmental Task Force.

As of September 2011, there have been 404 litter warning letters issued to individuals caught littering by other members of the public as reported through the ECTF Hotline 614-871-5322 or at http://www.itsacrime.org.

LEGAL

• EPA Law Enforcement Guide to Scrap Tires (PDF format)
• Ohio EPA List of Registered Scrap Tire Transporters (PDF format)
• Law Enforcement Guide to Scrap Tires & Environmental Crimes (Word document)