Ark-Tex Council of Governments announces free county environmental enforcement training in Linden

The Texas Illegal Dumping Resource Center (TIDRC) will present a free two-day County Environmental Enforcement training class April 16-17 at the Cass County Law Enforcement Training Center in Linden, Texas. This class is provided by the Ark-Tex Council of Governments (ATCOG) through grant funding provided by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), and hosted by the Cass County Sheriff ’s Office.

The comprehensive 12-hour class will cover multiple aspects of county-level environmental enforcement laws and procedures designed to control pollution and illegal dumping in unincorporated areas of Texas counties. The class meets from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days and offers 12 continuing education units (CEUs).

“Environmental enforcement isn’t just about writing citations. It’s about protecting community health, preserving property values, and maintaining public safety. When dumping creates fuel for fires or exposes hazardous waste, it puts everyone at risk,” said John Ockels, Director of TIDRC. “There’s a common misconception that ‘a person can do whatever he or she wants with their own property.’ This is simply wrong. All waste must be disposed in state-authorized places, and this training helps county officials understand what the laws are and how to enforce them.”

Paul Prange, Environmental Resources Coordinator for ATCOG, emphasized the training’s regional importance.

“This course directly supports ATCOG’s goal of addressing regional solid waste management concerns and reducing illegal dumping. Our Environmental Program works with local authorities across the region to protect water resources and promote sustainable practices.

This training gives enforcement personnel the knowledge they need to implement our Regional Solid Waste Management Plan and improve community health and safety,” Prange said.

Topics covered over the two-day period include illegal outdoor burning, illegal dumping, public health nuisances, water pollution, and dumping of hazardous materials including used motor oil, medical waste, and lead-acid batteries. The class also addresses policy issues impacting the use of state criminal statutes aimed at controlling pollution.

The training is designed for county deputies, constables, fire marshals, environmental enforcement officers, emergency management coordinators, prosecutors, elected officials, health department personnel, and municipal officers needing to understand county-level enforcement.

Ockels, who founded TIDRC in 2006, has over two decades of experience providing illegal dumping enforcement training across Texas.

Before establishing TIDRC, he worked at Texoma Council of Governments in Sherman for 12 years, including seven as Regional Environmental Coordinator. He has authored two books on local enforcement of Texas anti-pollution criminal laws and holds a Master of Science in Environmental Management from the University of London.

Registration is available at ATCOG.org/CEE. For more information, contact ATCOG at 903-255-3519.