Companies accused of polluting paradise facing fines

NAPLES, Fla.- Paint, chemicals and dye are being dumped in local waterways as more construction sites pop up throughout Naples.

In pictures obtained by WINK News, you can see blue dye used by a local pool company flowing
from a construction site right into a city storm drain.

“We don’t want it in our drains at all, period,” said Roger Jacobsen, City of Naples Code Enforcement Manager and Harbor Master.

Jacobsen says the city is seeing more illegal dumping as construction across the city is booming, like at a site of new condominiums at 8th Avenue South. In that case, the city didn’t even know what the white, milky substance was. But, Jacobsen says that doesn’t mean they can’t go after the property owner.

“Our code is very clear,” said Jacobsen. “Nothing goes into our drains except rain water.”

The issue is a concern because substances dumped down a storm drain go right into Naples Bay and into the Gulf of Mexico, not through a water treatment facility. So, even if the substance is non-toxic or latex paint, Jacobsen says it can still harm the environment.

“If you’re a fish, or a turtle, or a dolphin, do you want to swim through anything other than what is natural water?” asked Jacobsen.

On Tuesday, the code enforcement board fined the pool company $2,500, half the maximum fine because it was a first offense. They fined the owners of the condominium site the maximum $5,000. WINK News tried talking with the owner, but he had no comment.

Jacobsen has asked all city employees to keep an eye out and turn offending contractors in to make sure the illegal dumping is stopped.

“We need to protect our environment. Number 1,” said Jacobsen.