Constable Alan Rosen’s office said chemicals in the product are harmful to animals and killed plants in the area.
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — A cosmetics lab manager is facing an illegal dumping charge after investigators say he disposed of a “bad batch” of coconut oil into a Harris County bayou.
Harris County Precinct 1 Constable Alan Rosen said 51-year-old Bin Liang, a manager of Immacule Lab Corp., admitted the foul-smelling product was fed into the water stream in April. The chemicals in the substance killed nearby plants and are harmful to animals, according to investigators.
The product was being made at an industrial park on Fairbanks North Houston Road, near Battleoak Drive. The investigation began after a community member reported a complaint.
“Enforcing pollution laws countywide is one of several unique responsibilities of our agency,” Rosen said. “We carry out this special assignment to protect not only the residents of the county, but also its environment, which is so crucial to everyone.”
The case is being investigated by the Constable Pct. 1 Environmental Crimes Division, a countywide unit that focuses on illegal dumping and pollution in coordination with other county departments.
Liang faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000 if convicted.
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