West Carrollton illegal dumping investigation continues

An investigation into illegal dumping on city owned land in West Carrollton began about 10 months ago. Since August, local officials have said the ongoing investigation has been headed by Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, which Tuesday was involved in a raid on properties belonging to businessman Steve Rauch. The following is a timeline of events involving the West Carrollton land:

Aug. 12: Officials say more than 30 tons of illegally dumped materials – including about 13 tons of mixed irons - have been removed in West Carrollton from city-owned land at 4000 Hydraulic Road.

Aug. 11: West Carrollton officials say Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Identification – which along with the Ohio EPA's environmental enforcement unit – is in charge of the criminal investigation.

Mid-April: West Carrollton approves a deal with Ohio Operating Engineers to clean up the Hydraulic Road site for about $6,600, about the cost of diesel fuel. Surveillance upgrades cost the city about $45,000.

Early March: The Centerville United Soccer Association Crew say they have been in talks regarding the 4000 Hydraulic Road land as part of a site for a possible $12 million regional complex to hold basketball, lacrosse, soccer, volleyball and winter guard competitions.

Late February: West Carrollton receives the first in a series of one-month extensions to clean up the Hydraulic Road site.

Feb. 10: Local health officials issue an order to the city of West Carrollton to clean up the site where materials were illegally dumped and buried. Illegal dumping ranges from a fourth-degree misdemeanor to a felony, depending on the circumstances, officials said. City cited a handful of violations, including Illegal disposal and storage of construction and demolition debris, and operation of an unlicensed construction and demolition landfill.

Feb. 8: Officials say more illegal dumping has been discovered at the Hydraulic Road site. Mattresses, wood and electric conduits were among the items found in recent days.

Feb. 3: State and local health officials find illegal dumping on city of West Carrollton land near the Great Miami River. The city has been accepting legal fill – items such as concrete blocks, bricks and stone - at the 4000 Hydraulic Road site to redevelop the land.

Spring 2014: Appvion transfers the deed for 4000 Hydraulic Road to the city of West Carrollton. A deed restriction calls for the nearly 30-acre site to be used for recreational purposes. The city begins redeveloping the site and talking with youth recreation organizations.

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