Leon Wallace, 56, of Zachary, is alleged to have dumped an unknown amount of diesel and gasoline at the Super Lucky Louie Casino at 1256 Hwy 190 in Port Allen.
Information received by DEQ-Criminal Investigation Division revealed that Wallace drove a tanker truck for ACM Transportation located in Denham Springs at the time of the incident.
While loading gasoline and diesel on the night of Jan. 25, Wallace allegedly mixed several hundred gallons of diesel with several thousand gallons of gasoline that was already being held in his tanker truck.
Because of the error, Wallace then drove to the Super Lucky Louie Casino and discharged an unknown portion of the gasoline and diesel mixture at the rear of the facility.
“Any act of illegal dumping such as in this incident is a threat to the public’s health and our state’s natural resources,” said Peggy Hatch, DEQ Secretary. “DEQ will aggressively investigate and prosecute anyone who chooses to put human health at risk while polluting the environment through the illegal dumping of hazardous materials.”
If convicted of the crime of knowingly discharging a substance that endangers or that could endanger human life or health, Wallace faces possible imprisonment for not more than ten years with or without hard labor, or a fine of not more than $100,000, or both.
The mission of the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality is to protect the environment and public health. Any persons with knowledge of any spills, releases, odors, fish kills, open burning, waste tires and any other types of environmental incidents may contact the department at 225-219-3640 or Toll Free 1-888-763-5424.
An arrest does not constitute guilt in a criminal case. All evidence compiled during the investigation is presented to the area prosecutors who determine if formal charges are warranted.
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