Hazardous Waste Criminal Investigations in West Virginia

The author describes the development of this State's program to investigate crimes dealing with hazardous waste disposal. Particular emphasis is placed on the pitfalls and advantages of a hybrid positionas used in this state. As illustrated in the summary, it is not beyond the scope of state wildlife enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute these crimes that do vast amounts of damage to the natural resources. In many cases, an act of hazardous waste disposal can do more damage to an ecosystem and its natural resources than an entire family or even generations of poachers.