Precinct 4
Constable John Moreno

Warning to Illegal Dumpers

Gonzales  County  Commissioner's Dell Whiddon, Donnie Brzozowski, Kevin La Fleur, Collie Boatright Jr. together with  Gonzales County Constable's Pct 4. Office will work together to stop illegal dumping: 
Investigating citizen complaints regarding illegal dumping:

• Conducting surveillance of sites for possible violations;
• Issuing civil and criminal citations;
• Preparing criminal cases for prosecution.

The citizens of Gonzales County Precinct Four will no longer tolerate illegal dumping. This Office will vigorously investigate illegal dumping and prosecute violators to the fullest extent of the law. The Commissioner Collie Boatright , strongly advocates keeping our precinct clean. Illegal dumping is a major problem that raises significant concerns with regard to safety, property values and quality of life in our communities.

Illegal Dumping:

• Affects drinking water quality especially in areas with private wells;
• Causes flooding by debris and wastes that clog storm water management systems, drainage ditches and waterways;
• Creates habitat and breeding grounds for disease-carrying vectors such as rodents and insects;
• Is a direct contact exposure risk for sharp objects, medical wastes, and Hazardous Wastes;
• Is a fire hazard with indirect exposure to toxic chemicals and possible hazardous wastes by inhalation of pollutants carried by smoke from dump fires.

The Law:
It is illegal to dump trash anywhere other than a licensed landfill. Dumping garbage along the roadside, in a ditch, or in a resaca is against the law and punishable by large fines. Under the Texas Health and Safety Code, the following are Violations:

• Dumping litter in a place other than an approved solid waste site;
• Transporting litter to a place other than an approved waste site for the purpose of disposal;
• Receiving litter for the purpose of disposal in a place other than an approved solid waste site;
• Unauthorized dumping in a dumpster or similar receptacle.

The Penalties:

• Class C Misdemeanor - Solid waste or litter that weighs 5 pounds or less.
• • Penalty: Up to $500.00 fine
• Class B Misdemeanor - Solid waste or litter that weighs more than 5 pounds but less than 500 pounds.
• • Penalty: Up to 180 days in jail and/or $2,000.00 fine.
• Class A Misdemeanor - Solid waste or litter that weighs more than 500 pounds.
• • Penalty: Up to 1 year in jail and/or $4,000.00 fine.

Repeat Offenders

On a subsequent conviction of this offense:

• The punishment is increased to the next highest category.
• The vehicle used by the violator may be forfeited.

To report illegal dumping call Gonzales  County Constable John Moreno  Pct.4  Office  830-582-1292  or Gonzales  County  Commissioner Collie Boatright Jr. Pct.4 at 830-582-1615.

You may also complete the form below to report illegal dumping to the Constable.