Environment and Conservation
July 10, 2014
The following is being distributed at the request of the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board:
Surveillance Technology and Enforcement Training Help Communities Combat Illegal Dumping
Fifteen municipalities in Newfoundland and Labrador have implemented surveillance programs to deter illegal dumping, including seven communities funded by the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board (MMSB).
“While illegal dumping continues to present a significant threat to our environment, we are pleased to see how partnerships between government, municipalities and law enforcement provide new insights and identify best practices that help protect the health and well-being of our communities and environment.”
- The Honourable Terry French, Minister of Environment and Conservation and Minister Responsible for the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board
In 2013, MMSB invested $65,000 from the Waste Management Trust Fund to support the Illegal Dumping Surveillance Program. As part of the program, MMSB has worked with participating communities from across the province and provided equipment and training to implement effective surveillance and enforcement programs within their jurisdictions.
“MMSB’s Illegal Dumping Surveillance Program continues to support communities as they establish their own initiatives to curb illegal dumping in their respective regions. Through ongoing training and education, we hope to further build on local expertise, forge new partnerships with additional municipalities and local enforcement agencies and together, increase our ability to combat illegal dumping throughout the province.”
- Mike Samson, Chief Executive Officer, Multi-Materials Stewardship Board
MMSB’s program was developed in partnership with the Town of Conception Bay South (CBS) and is based on a successful surveillance and enforcement initiative implemented in that community. MMSB and the Town of CBS continue to provide training, using new surveillance technology and best practices to help deter illegal dumping across the province.
“The Town of Conception Bay South has achieved a 90 per cent reduction in illegal dumping activity since the introduction of our surveillance program in 2010. We are proud of this accomplishment and are committed to sharing our success and experiences with communities across the province. We commend our municipal enforcement staff on their leadership in the implementation of this program.”
- Mayor Ken McDonald, Town of Conception Bay South
The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary has also dedicated a liaison officer to work with municipalities within their jurisdiction to enhance enforcement and investigate reports of illegal dumping.
“I am pleased to be acting as the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Liaison Officer for this worthwhile project. I look forward to working with MMSB, the Town of Conception Bay South and the participating communities within our jurisdiction to investigate reports of illegal dumping and build on the great accomplishments achieved to date.”
- Sandy Harvey, RNC Illegal Dumping Liaison Officer
Municipalities with inquiries about the Illegal Dumping Surveillance Program can contact MMSB at inquiries@mmsb.nl.ca or 1-800-901-6672 (MMSB).
QUICK FACTS:
- A total of 15 municipalities in Newfoundland and Labrador have implemented surveillance programs within their jurisdictions to help combat illegal dumping.
- In 2013, MMSB funded the following seven communities through its Illegal Dumping Surveillance Program; Labrador City, Deer Lake, Elliston, Marystown, Placentia, Stephenville and Northern Peninsula Regional Service Board (on behalf of communities on the Northern Peninsula).
- Eight additional municipalities have independently funded and implemented illegal dumping initiatives including Carbonear, Conception Bay South, Conception Harbour, Grand Falls-Windsor, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Pasadena, St. John’s and Wabush.
- The goal of MMSB’s Illegal Dumping Surveillance Program is to establish a team of illegal dumping experts and increase capacity to deal with illegal dumping throughout the province.
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Media contacts:
| Deborah Thomas Director of Communications Department of Environment and Conservation 709-729-2575, 728-8092 deborahthomas@gov.nl.ca |
Jill Thomas Myrick Director of Marketing, Public Education and Communications MMSB 709-757-3696 jmyrick@mmsb.nl.ca |
2014 07 10 2:35 p.m.