Mar 02, 2025

Rice County Sheriff's Office investigating illegal oil dumping

Posted Mar 02, 2025 9:00 PM
Oil Dumping - Photo Courtesy Rice County Sheriff's Office
Oil Dumping - Photo Courtesy Rice County Sheriff's Office

MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post 

The Rice County Sheriff's Office is investigating an illegal dumping of oil just southwest of Lyons.  

The location of the dumping is near 15th Road and Avenue N.

Google Earth Image
Google Earth Image

Why Illegal Oil Dumping is Harmful:

Water Contamination: Oil can seep into groundwater, contaminating drinking water sources and posing health risks to humans and animals.

Soil Degradation: Dumped oil alters the chemical composition of soil, making it toxic and unsuitable for plant growth.

Harm to Wildlife: Oil can coat the feathers and fur of animals, reducing their insulation and buoyancy, which can lead to hypothermia, drowning, or poisoning if ingested.

Photo Courtesy Rice County Sheriff's Office
Photo Courtesy Rice County Sheriff's Office

Ecosystem Disruption: The introduction of oil into natural habitats disrupts the balance of ecosystems, affecting the microbial composition and nutrient cycling in the soil.

We are seeking any information that could help identify the individual(s) responsible for this illegal oil dumping incident. If you have any details, please contact the Sheriff's Office at 620-257-2363 and reference case number Case Number: 25-74.

The sheriff's office says that the poses significant environmental and public health risks, and we urge anyone with information to come forward.