Thursday, August 28th, 2014
Local businessman fined for health violations
By Shelley Grieshop
CELINA - The manager of a construction and demolition debris business - who has repeatedly been cited for public health violations - was fined $150 in court for failing to meet clean-up requirements set by the local health board.
The fine against Greg Gargis, who operates Dumpsterman Container Services of Celina, will be suspended if he meets all conditions of the Mercer County-Celina City Board of Health within 90 days and pays court costs, according to a judgment in Celina Municipal Court.
Gargis pleaded no contest to the charge.
Michelle Kimmel, the health department's director of environmental health, said Gargis must now respond to the court order.
"The judge placed the order on him for clean-up, so if he does not comply he'll be in contempt of court," she said.
Gargis could face fines and possible jail time if he does not comply with the court's order, according to penalties associated with the charge.
The local health board has investigated public health complaints at the business and issued citations to Gargis since the facility opened in 2009. The board earlier this year set a March 1 deadline to remove solid waste from the site at 6980 Staeger Road. The deadline was later extended to June 2.
One of the main health concerns on the property is leachate - contaminated water visible in areas on the property. In May, director of environmental health Michelle Kimmel told the board - after an on-site visit - it didn't appear Gargis would meet the June deadline.
The board refused to extend the deadline as it had several times in the past when it appeared Gargis was making headway in the clean-up.
The case recently was turned over to the county prosecutor's office. Notification about the noncompliance and court order will be made to Ohio Environmental Protection Agency officials, who have been involved in the situation.
The company by law is not permitted to accept or keep on site solid waste items such as plastics or general trash. The business can temporarily accept construction demolition and debris before processing it for recycling or hauling it to a landfill, officials have said.
Facilities such as Dumpsterman do not require licenses or permits to operate but must follow Ohio Revised Code rules concerning the presence of solid waste.
