Hillsboro, OR – Fred Lamar Dobson, a former project superintendent with Westwood Contractors, was convicted in January 2014 of illegally discharging construction wastewater into a public storm drain system. The incident, occurring in June 2013 at the Streets of Tanasbourne shopping center in Hillsboro, Oregon, represents a deliberate violation of state environmental regulations during the construction of a new H&M department store.
According to court documents, Dobson instructed a contract employee to release wastewater—contaminated with materials from sheetrock—directly into the storm drain. This bypass of proper waste management protocols is a serious offense, as storm drains feed directly into local waterways, potentially harming aquatic life and impacting water quality. The deliberate nature of the instruction, issued by a project supervisor, suggests a calculated disregard for environmental protection.
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) investigated the incident following reports of the illegal discharge. Evidence gathered pointed directly to Dobson’s directive, leading to criminal charges being filed on July 3, 2013. The investigation highlighted the importance of diligent oversight on construction sites to prevent similar environmental breaches. Sources close to the investigation suggest the discharge was an attempt to expedite work and avoid the costs associated with proper wastewater disposal.
Legal Ramifications
Dobson ultimately pled guilty to violating state regulations pertaining to water quality and illegal dumping. While specific citations weren’t publicly released, the offense clearly falls under Oregon’s statutes governing construction site runoff and pollution control. The sentence handed down on January 14, 2014, included one month of probation, a state fine of $3,500, and $3,108 in restitution. The restitution is believed to cover the costs incurred by the state in cleaning up the contamination and assessing the environmental impact.
Industry Concerns
This case raises broader concerns about compliance within the construction industry. While most contractors adhere to environmental regulations, instances of illegal dumping and improper waste disposal continue to occur. Industry experts suggest that increased monitoring, stricter penalties, and improved training for site supervisors are crucial to deterring these offenses. The incident at Tanasbourne serves as a stark reminder that environmental compliance is not merely a regulatory requirement, but a fundamental responsibility.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Fred Lamar Dobson
- Location: Streets of Tanasbourne Shopping Center, Hillsboro, Oregon
- Date of Incident: June 2013
- Charge: Violation of Oregon state regulations regarding illegal dumping and water pollution
- Plea: Guilty
- Sentence: 1 month probation, $3,500 fine, $3,108 restitution
- Statutes Violated: Oregon State Regulations regarding construction site runoff and pollution control.
GrimyTimes will continue to follow environmental crime cases and report on developments as they unfold.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
Related Federal Cases
- Fred Lamar Dobson, Illegal Discharge, OR 2014 · Oregon
- James Kearbey, Illegal Dumping, OR 2003 · New Jersey
- Douglas Lee Moser, Illegal Dumping, OR 2012 · New York
- Betty Rose White, Illegal Dumping, OR 1992 · Alabama
- Tualatin Industries, Illegal Dumping, OR 1993 · New York
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