§ 13-274. Organization.

(a)

The Environmental Crimes Unit shall be comprised of the Environmental Crimes Team and shall operate in at least three enforcement areas; one area each for the Northern, Central and Southern regions of the County.

(b)

The Environmental Crimes Unit shall be authorized and empowered as follows:

(1)

To enforce Environmental Crimes by issuing notices of violations and/or citations to the person or persons allegedly violating Environmental Crimes laws;

(2)

To conduct inspections of alleged Environmental Crimes; and

(3)

To collect data and conduct public outreach and education regarding Environmental Crimes.

(c)

The composition of the Environmental Crimes Unit may be altered at the discretion of the County Executive or their designee consistent with the mission of the Environmental Crimes Unit.

(d)

The County employees assigned to the Environmental Crimes Unit must have no criminal record and be of good moral character.

(e)

The Environmental Crimes Unit is authorized to offer and pay rewards for information that leads to the apprehension and charging of any person for violating Environmental Crimes laws and the collection of a penalty or fine from the person not to exceed 10 percent or up to $500 of the collected penalty or fine. The appropriate enterprise funds shall be used for abatement and reward monies.

(CB-54-2018)