A semi-truck driver is behind bars after police officers busted him for illegally dumping over 5,000 gallons of diesel around Elridge, Maryland. The truck driver was even caught illegally dumping fuel on camera. 

Maryland officers bust semi-truck driver for illegally dumping fuel 

Maryland police officers bust a semi-truck driver for illegally dumping over 5,000 gallons of diesel around town. The fuel was dumped in ponds, fields, and grass on the side of the road. 

According to the Drive, the truck driver was dumping diesel so he could quickly pick up another load and get paid. Drivers can often get paid more for tanker full-ups than deliveries, explaining why the man wanted to dump diesel immediately. 

For example, in one incident he received 7,500 gallons of diesel and by 3:43 am the next day, he got another 8,200 gallons of gasoline. Dumping fuel made it possible to pick up another load so quickly.

He delivered 2,159 gallons of diesel, which was discharged legally. Then he dumped the remaining 5,342 gallons along the shoulder of Route 10 near Burnie, Maryland. 

The driver was on camera as the fuel gushed down the roadway. He dumped another 1,000 gallons that flowed into the storm drain and into a local pond. 

He dumped 4,300 gallons near a business that is serviced by public water. Soil samples showed evidence of petroleum-based pollutants and diesel-range organics. 

Attorney General, Anthony G. Brown, shared that illegally dumping thousands of gallons of diesel fuel is an irresponsible act that jeopardizes public health. Toxins for the field may harm waterways, contaminate soil, and endanger health. 

His office rakes action against truck drivers who risk Marylanders’ safety to profit. Truckers that handle fuel must comply with Maryland’s laws and properly dispose of it. 

The driver is being sentenced to 60 days of incarceration and he must pay $10,000 to the Maryland Oil Disaster, Containment, Cleaning, and Contingency Fund.