VENTURA : Trial Scheduled in River Dumping Case

A June 26 trial has been scheduled for a Ventura man accused of dumping tons of debris into the Ventura River over the past four years.

F. John Appel, 50, who operates Eager Beaver Tree Service, is charged with dumping tree branches, logs and other material into more than 15 acres of river channels and wetlands--a violation of state environmental law punishable by up to six years in prison.

Environmental Protection Agency officials have said the dumping occurred on a 31-acre parcel that Appel owns in Casitas Springs.

Appel appeared in court Thursday without an attorney, and Superior Court Judge Allan L. Steele entered a not guilty plea for him, Deputy Dist. Atty. Christopher Harman said.

Appel and his son, Tony, 30, were indicted by the Ventura County grand jury earlier this month. Tony Appel, who also has a June 26 trial date and has denied any wrongdoing, is charged with conspiracy to violate environmental laws.

He could face up to three years in prison if convicted.

The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers launched an investigation of Appel in 1993 after receiving complaints from area residents. Investigators concluded that Appel was illegally dumping in the Ventura River and San Antonio Creek and ordered him to stop.

He refused, EPA officials said.

The EPA then ordered Appel to cease dumping and again he refused, officials said. The agency filed a lawsuit against him in November, and a federal judge in December ordered Appel to stop dumping into the river.