Petaluma Septic Co. Owner Accused Of Dumping Waste Countywide

PETALUMA, CA – Santa Rosa police have arrested a Petaluma man on suspicion of illegal dumping of waste from septic tanks.

Carlos Chavez, 63, owner of Petaluma Septic Service, is suspected of pumping waste from septic tanks and dumping it into sewers throughout the county.

Police served search warrants at locations in Rohnert Park and Petaluma related to the business, police Sgt. Marcus Sprague said.

Police learned about the illegal dumping in November but evidence indicates Chavez was dumping the waste illegally for many years, including 300 incidents last year, Sprague said.

Chavez has a prior conviction in Sonoma County for illegal dumping, Sprague said.

Chavez was arrested and booked in the Sonoma County Jail in December for theft or diversion of utilities, malicious dumping into a sewer and prohibited septic waste disposal.

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--Bay City News/Image via Renee Schiavone, Patch