Oops, a New Jersey trucker committed the crime and is now facing hard time. Authorities are simply disgusted by the driver for illegally dumping 4,000 gallons of gas. He caused years of environmental damage as taxpayers foot the cleanup bill. 

New Jersey trucker gets prison time for dumping gas 

The suspect, identified as 41-year-old George Smith, is a New Jersey trucker that won’t be delivering loads anytime soon. He filled up his tanker with 8,500 gallons of gas to deliver around Pennsylvania. 

He was going to make stop number four at Brookhaven station, but the underground tanks were full. A safety measure on fuel trucks prevents drivers from refilling with remaining gas in the fuel compartment. 

So, Smith was stuck with leftover gas and didn’t want to take the time to make a partial delivery at another location. So, he dumped the remaining 4,000 gallons down an embankment. 

Police officers noted that surveillance footage and functioning warning alarms prove his destructive actions. 

The spill contaminated the soil and waterways, killing wildlife. Emergency crews and environmental agencies found dead fish, eels, and a fox. According to Patch, the spill also caused an elementary school to close for the rest of the year. 

Justice is on the menu. Smith pleaded guilty to felony prohibition against other pollution and felony causing a catastrophe. He faces a sentence of to up to two years in prison and five years of probation. 

The fuel discharge could cause years of impacts, and taxpayers are responsible for the cleanup costs. Frustrated residents call Smith and his actions “disgusting, simply disgusting, unbelievable, and irresponsible as a human being.”