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Environmental Court

Welcome

Judge Stephanie Mingo and the Environmental Court staff are committed to ensuring that Franklin County remains a safe place to live, work, and raise a family. Enabling strong communities through justice is the goal of the Court. In partnership with other Municipal agencies, the Environmental Court contributes to community improvement across Franklin County.

Facts that every Franklin County resident should know about the environment!

Meet the Judge

Learn More About Us!

Our Story

Read our story and learn more about our jurisdiction and staff.

Resources and Handouts

Find brochures and guides as well as information about our daily docket and how to make complaints.

F.A.Q

Get answers to questions surrounding issues about animal and housing related codes.

Court Forms

Looking for a form? All of our forms can be found on the Court's Forms page.

Get to Know Your Community Court

Learn more about the different types of cases heard in Environmental Court.

Spotlight Feature

Illegal dumping and littering

The Court receives frequent complaints about illegal dumping and littering in the communities of Franklin County. The Environmental Division hears littering, dumping, solid waste, and refuse related cases filed within Franklin County and the City of Columbus. These cases are brought to the Environmental Division by the Environmental Crimes Task Force, Columbus Police, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Metro Parks, ODNR, Columbus Division of Refuse and other local law enforcement agencies.

Reports for dumping, littering, environmental crimes, refuse, solid waste on private property, code enforcement issues, or other waste issues can be made anonymously. Be as descriptive as possible and include the location and description of the issue. Requests will be forwarded to the appropriate agency.

Franklin County reports can be made to the Franklin County Environmental Crimes Task force.
City of Columbus reports can be made to the 311 Customer Service Center or by calling (614) 645-3111.

Notable News and Community Events

Community Corner

Environmental Court recognizes the importance of community interaction and involvement and regularly participates in community events, festivals, and block watch association meetings.

Environmental Court at the Milo Grogan Affordable Housing Resource Fair - April 2024

Weekend Events

Environmental Court participates in many events throughout the community!

Rise Up CBUS

Environmental Court at Rise Up CBUS-Dodge Recreation Center - April 2023.

COVERT Outreach Event

The Central Ohio Violence Eradication Response Team hosted a community outreach event for various groups of Franklin County to provide resources to neighborhoods impacted by violent crime. Narcan and Narcan training, food, information regarding health and substance abuse and additional resources regarding education, job training, employment, and mentoring opportunities were available. The Court's Environmental Division Specialists attended, providing resources and information regarding how to report and get assistance concerning environmental crimes.

Big Darby Creek State and National Scenic River Canoe Float

Chief Environmental Specialist, Kyle Kirker, took part in a 4.8 mile canoe float down Big Darby Creek. He made stops showing Big Darby's exceptional aquatic life including fish and freshwater mussels. This provided the opportunity to discuss current issues relevant to the long-term protection and conservation of the Big and Little Darby Creeks.

New Year New Judge

Judge Mingo and staff attended the Franklin County Soil and Water Open House on September 19th. Their mission is to promote responsible land use decisions for the conservation, protection and improvement of soil and water resources by providing information assistance through effective partnering, technical guidance and education.

Kenyon College

Judge Mingo and Chief Environmental Specialist, Kyle Kirker educate students on the role of the Environmental Division and take question from observing students in the Kenyon College Law & Society Program.

Healthy Homes Presentation

Judge Mingo and Judge O’Leary of the Cleveland Municipal Court, Housing Division lead a discussion on "How Housing and Environmental Courts Can Impact Home-Based Health Hazards" at the Ohio Healthy Homes Network 2019 Spring Forum.

5th Annual Open House

Judge Mingo would like to thank everyone who participated and attended the 5th Annual Open House. It was a wonderful opportunity for our community to learn about resources available to them.

Affordable Housing Fair

Judge Mingo and Chief Environmental Specialist Kyle Kirker hosted a table at this year’s Affordable Housing Fair sponsored by the Franklin County Auditor. The Affordable Housing Fair is focused on home repair, maintenance, providing affordable housing information, and advice to first-time homebuyers.

Hope Fest 2019

HopeFest is a community festival created to connect neighbors to each other and to promote growth opportunities in Far South Columbus.

Fam Jam 2019

HopeFest is a community festival created to connect neighbors to each other and to promote growth opportunities in Far South Columbus.

Franklin County Soil and Water

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