Milton W. Beard, Illegally Dumping Animal Waste, Tennessee 2018

Maury County, TN – Milton W. Beard, owner of Back Jack Ridge Dairy Farm, has a history of environmental violations, culminating in a 2018 Tennessee state conviction for illegally dumping animal waste into local creeks. The case, investigated by state environmental authorities, reveals a pattern of disregard for regulations and a previous federal conviction for similar offenses.

Beard was found guilty at trial of repeatedly discharging waste from his dairy operation directly into Maury County waterways. Evidence presented demonstrated multiple instances of untreated cow manure entering creeks, posing a potential threat to water quality and aquatic life. This latest conviction follows a 2005 federal case where Beard pled guilty to negligently discharging pollutants into waters of the United States—a clear indication of ongoing non-compliance.

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation pursued the case, citing violations of STATE statute 693115(c) and STATE statute 693114(b). These regulations govern the proper management and disposal of agricultural waste to prevent water contamination. Prosecutors argued that Beard’s actions demonstrated a deliberate disregard for environmental protections, despite prior warnings and the previous federal conviction.

The sentencing in this case was complex. Initially, on January 23, 2017, Beard received a one-year probation sentence and was ordered to pay a $15,000 criminal fine. However, a subsequent sentencing on November 9, 2017, saw the imposition of a two-year jail sentence, which was *suspended*, coupled with a two-year probation period. The suspended sentence suggests the court considered mitigating factors, but the probation requirement underlines the seriousness of the offenses.

Local residents and environmental groups have expressed concern over the repeated violations. Some question the effectiveness of the penalties, arguing that a suspended sentence may not be a sufficient deterrent for future offenses. The case raises broader questions about the enforcement of environmental regulations in agricultural settings and the need for stricter oversight of concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs).

GrimyTimes has reached out to the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation for comment on ongoing monitoring of Back Jack Ridge Dairy Farm and future enforcement plans. The department stated they are committed to protecting Tennessee’s waterways and will continue to pursue legal action against those who violate environmental laws. This case serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of environmental crimes and the importance of responsible agricultural practices.

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Key Facts

Defendant: Milton W. Beard
Location: Maury County, Tennessee
Year of Conviction: 2018
Crime: Illegal Dumping of Animal Waste
Statutes Violated: STATE (693115)(c), STATE (693114)(b)
Penalties: One-year probation (initial), $15,000 fine, Two-year *suspended* jail sentence, two-year probation.
Prior Conviction: Federal conviction in 2005 for negligently discharging pollutants.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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