DEP Agents Arrest Jacksonville Doctor for Improperly Disposing of Biomedical Solid Waste

-Approximately four garbage bags of biomedical waste found in dumpster-

JACKSONVILLE -Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) law enforcement agents arrested Dr. Napoleon Depadua of Industrial Medicine Group on Wednesday for improperly disposing of approximately 200 pounds, or four garbage bags, of biomedical waste in a dumpster. Depadua was charged with Improper Disposal of Solid Waste (Biomedical), a first degree misdemeanor punishable by up to six months imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $10,000.

“Disposing biomedical waste without following the proper procedure is unsafe and compromising to the environment,” said DEP Division of Law Enforcement Director Henry Barnet. “Thanks to assistance from the Duval County Department of Health, we were able to solve this environmental crime quickly and efficiently.”

DEP law enforcement agents were alerted on Wednesday by the Duval County Department of Health (DOH) of a possible crime. After DEP and DOH officials examined the contents of the Industrial Medical Group dumpster, they determined that the waste was biomedical and generated by Industrial Medicine Group. Further investigation led agents to Depadua, who had dumped the waste rather than having it disposed of by a registered biomedical waste transporter. Depadua provided a sworn written statement admitting that he alone illegally disposed of the biomedical waste into the dumpster on the afternoon of July 15, 2008, and was issued a notice to appear in court.

DEP’s Division of Law Enforcement is responsible for statewide environmental resource law enforcement, providing law enforcement services to Florida’s state parks and greenways and trails. Agents investigate environmental resource crimes and illegal dredge and fill activities, and respond to natural disasters, civil unrest, hazardous material incidents and oil spills that can threaten the environment.

To report an environmental crime, wireless customers can now dial #DEP. Callers can also report environmental crimes to the State Warning Point by calling (877) 2-SAVE-FL (1.877.272.8335). General environmental inquiries should be directed to DEP district offices during business hours.

For more information about DEP’s Division of Law Enforcement, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/law.