Three Florida Men Accused Of Dumping Asbestos Into Swamp
Three men have been accused of illegally dumping asbestos-contaminated waste into the Green Swamp in Auburndale, Florida. Thomas C. Barnhill, Warren “Greg” Gay and Ronnie Lee Spears were arrested after a tip was phoned in to the Environmental Crime Reporting Line.The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) conducted an investigation at the swamp in August and discovered that an estimated 43 containers of asbestos waste taken from dorms at Florida Southern College in Lakeland were dumped into the swamp. The contaminated waste included floor and ceiling tiles, and DEP officials estimate that the waste was dumped between July 3rd and July 23rd. The Winter Haven Office of Florida Environmental Compliance Corporation, Inc. (FECC Inc.) was responsible for the illegal dumping. The DEP stated that the illegal dumping occurred because the FECC Inc. did not want to pay landfill fees. The FECC Inc. reportedly saved about $11,000 by illegally disposing of asbestos.Barnhill, Gay and Spears remain in Polk County jail. The DEP is expected to press civil charges against the FECC Inc. as a result of the illegal dumping and violation of Florida wetlands regulations.