Authorities: Pot Growing Debris Found Dumped Near Rifle
RIFLE, Colo. (CBS4/AP) - Federal and county authorities say they have found more than 6,000 pounds of equipment and trash used in a marijuana operation illegally dumped in a gulch in western Colorado.
Authorities say the items were dumped on federal land six miles north of Rifle sometime in May and June. They say the items were used in an indoor marijuana growing operation and include bagged potting soil, fertilizer containers and venting equipment.
It was discovered by a ranger with the Bureau of Land Management.
"We had hazmat go in. They reviewed it and determined it wasn't hazardous; it was dangerous," Tina Brown with the BLM said. "It was obviously illegal. Any dumping on public lands is illegal."
The BLM and Garfield County Sheriff's Office say the cost to taxpayers of cleaning up the debris will be substantial. They say the debris can also be environmental and public health threats.
Marijuana is not a new problem for the BLM.
"Whether that's growing or equipment, it just always is a problem on public lands," Brown said. "If you see a dump on public lands you're asked to stay out of it because of the potential hazard. Just report it to local authorities or the BLM."
Garfield County Crime Stoppers is offering up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest or indictment.
Link: Garfield County Crime Stoppers
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