Saving Pecan Shells In Socorro? Better Read This …

Yes, saving up pecan shells is now illegal in Socorro, Texas unless you do it juuuuuuust right and not doing so could cost BIG bucks ...

The city of Socorro, on the south eastern edge of El Paso, recently put a new law into effect regarding the storage, use and/or disposal of pecan shells. Yes, they really did and if it's not obeyed fully, there's a fine that will get bigger and bigger until it's made right.

It's pretty much all because of a bunch of insects known as "red" beetles. Socorro had a huge infestation of those flying and biting little you know what's last year and it was because of pecan shells. Read more here.

There are lots of pecan orchards in and around Socorro and several shelling plants. That's where the shells really pile up since they have many uses but now their storage and use is being regulated to prevent more beetle-mania.

Individuals and businesses that intend to use byproducts must maintain documentation certifying that the materials have been properly treated and documentation must be made available to City officials upon request, the ordinance said.

A violation of this ordinance can lead to a Class C misdemeanor and could result in a fine of up to $500 per offense. Each day that a violation continues will be considered a separate offense, the ordinance said. - ktsm

Man, that's $1,000 bucks every 2 days. On top of the fine(s), the city will probably require the violator to pay for the removal and/or treatment of the shells too.