(La Porte County, IN) - An elected La Porte County official has been cited for alleged open dumping by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management.  La Porte County Surveyor John Matwyshyn received a letter from the state agency about alleged violations it discovered outside his residence in Hudson Lake.

According to IDEM, the material on his property included construction and demolition waste, at least a half dozen microwaves, five televisions and numerous containers of cooking oil.  He was ordered to stop the dumping and clean up the mess within 30 days.

Matwyshyn said the construction and demolition waste is from a nearby home that was remodeled by the owner, who he allowed to dispose of the waste on his property temporarily as a favor.

Matwyshyn also said the cooking oil is there because he stores it for use in heating his home.  The surveyor said he plans to work with IDEM to resolve the issues.