Solid Waste Director James Zecca points out an illegal dump site on Firetower Road in Georgetown.
By Mary Bartlett, Recycling Coordinator
(Madison County, NY – July 2014) We have been enjoying the blooming of the flowers of spring and summer along the roadsides in Madison County. Unfortunately, the onset of good weather also brings out unwanted trash and even illegal dumping. There have been at least two illegal dumps reported by observant citizens in the past two months to Madison County officials; one on Firetower Road in Georgetown and one on Canal Road in Canastota.
By reporting illegal dumping, citizens help the landfill staff protect the environment from contamination and leaching of toxic chemicals in streams, not to mention the unsightly litter problem this dumping causes. Wildlife is endangered when animals consume or become entangled in the garbage. Trash can clog streams and ponds causing erosion and other water flow problems. These are all excellent reasons to report dumping and help us keep Madison County safe.
Following up on an incident report, Solid Waste Director James Zecca and Recycling Coordinator Sharon Driscoll were dismayed to find not only one site, but a continuous line of trash all along the roadside and in the woods.
“We spotted the one site, and I was taking pictures,” Driscoll said. “Then as we looked further up the road, we realized trash bags were dumped all along and further into the ditch and wooded area. The site spanned at least one mile down Firetower Road.”
When an illegal dump site is reported, Madison County Enforcement Officer, Geoff Zimmer visits the site, takes pictures and reports back to Zecca. The officer investigates and when evidence indicates, can ticket violators for illegal dumping. In Madison County, fines can reach up to $2,000.
Protecting the environment is a job for all Madison County residents. Illegal dumping…. If you see it, say something!
To report an incident, call the recycling hotline at 1–800–731- 2208.