The San Bernardino National Forest is searching for individuals responsible for illegally dumping motor oil on forest land and asking the public for help with any leads.
The oil was discovered on January 18 on the side of Forest Service Road 3N45. The site is accessible from the Oak Hills exit on Interstate 15, near the Cajon Pass.
Approximately 200 gallons of used engine oil were illegally discarded in five-quart containers and five-gallon buckets. Containers were labeled ExxonMobil Oil Corporation, and all the containers had barcodes. Some of the barcode numbers are 7192444823, 2140040444, 7192444820, and 9236356611.
Anyone with information about the illegal dump can call USDA Forest Service Law Enforcement Officer Ishmill Lett at (626) 340-5587 during business hours and can contact (909) 383-5594 after hours.
“Dumping is something we take very seriously,” Lett said. “It’s not only illegal in California, but it is a federal crime. Hazardous illegal dumping causes tremendous resource damage by polluting the environment, which simultaneously affects wildlife. We are asking for the public’s help finding the suspect or suspects responsible for this violation.”
According to Lett, the action violates California penal code 374.3, which makes it illegal to dump on public and private property, punishable by a fine of up to $10,000. Also, under section 117555 of the California Health and Safety Code, a person who dumps illegally is punishable by up to six months in jail.
Photos of the dump site show containers stacked and strewn in a pile; oil contaminated the ground, and other trash was also discarded. The site had to be cleaned by a contracted hazardous material crew, who completed the job on February 15.
