October 12, 2006

First Choice Truck and Tank Rental of Kalkaska plead guilty on September 26, 2006, in the 87th District Court in Kalkaska County to two misdemeanor charges of unlawfully hauling liquid industrial waste. The incident is the result of a targeted waste hauler patrol conducted by the Department of Environmental Quality during which First Choice Truck and Tank Rental vehicles were found to be hauling wastes originating from oil and gas well drilling operations through Antrim and Kalkaska Counties to a brine disposal well. Upon further inquiry, the DEQ discovered that the company was not registered or permitted to haul liquid industrial wastes.

“Hazardous waste must only be transported by licensed carriers who understand the necessary health and safety precautions,” said DEQ Director Steven E. Chester. “We will continue to ensure that those who would jeopardize our health and environment are held accountable.”

As part of the plea, the company agreed to pay fines totaling $600.

Editor’s note: DEQ news releases are available on the department’s Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

“Protecting Michigan’s Environment, Ensuring Michigan’s Future”

Revised October 12, 2006 by Pat Watson