The Hillcrest Road area, a hotspot for illegal dumping, will be the initial focus of a new anti-dumping campaign by the Cowichan Valley Regional District.
The CVRD is asking residents who live near Hillcrest Road, or spend time in this area, to safely document as much information about violators and their vehicles as possible.
This information should be reported to the Ministry of Environment’s 24-hour hotline (RAPP line) at 1-877-952-7277 (#7277 from cellphones).
Anyone caught will be subjected to a $2,000 fine.
Aside from asking residents to keep their eyes open and report identifying information, the campaign will also involve stepping up monitoring in other hotspot areas, and providing education about options for responsible waste management.
“The Hillcrest Road area is one of the worst illegal dump sites in the region, probably because it is right off the highway and close to the city,” said Jon Lefebure, chairman of the board at the CVRD.
“Unfortunately, it is difficult to enforce fines without information that identifies the dumpers. Knowing Hillcrest is a popular area for outdoor enthusiasts and recreation groups, we are asking for the community’s help in this program.”
Jason Adair, operations superintendent of recycling and waste management with the CVRD, said it’s “ironic” that Hillcrest Road is located only a few kilometres from the region’s main recycling facility, Bings Creek Recycling Centre.
“In many cases, the dumped items can be recycled for free or for a small fee just down the road,” Adair said.
When the cost of driving out to these rural areas to dump waste is factored in, properly disposing of waste at one of the many public or private facilities is far less expensive. The cost to taxpayers is lower as well when staff time is not needed to investigate illegally dumped garbage.”
Visit www.cvrd.bc.ca/stop-illegal-dumping for more information on the education campaign.