Environment and Conservation
May 19, 2015

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Dan Crummell, Minister of Environment and Conservation and Minister Responsible for the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board:

Minister Acknowledges Initiatives to Combat Illegal Dumping

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge important initiatives underway in Newfoundland and Labrador to help deter potential offenders from dumping their garbage at unauthorized sites throughout the province.

Recently, the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board and Crime Stoppers established a new partnership and public awareness campaign to encourage residents to take an active role in protecting their communities by reporting suspicious activity.

Mr. Speaker, in this province and across the country, illegal dumping is a serious and unnecessary problem that can pollute land and water, negatively impact wildlife and lead to substantial clean-up costs. But this is an offence that can easily be avoided by properly disposing of items through municipal collection services, recycling programs, special collection events and public drop-off facilities.

MMSB and Crime Stoppers are sending a clear message that illegal dumping is a crime and that anyone can safely and anonymously report suspicious activity by calling, emailing or texting Crime Stoppers. As summer approaches, we encourage all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to keep this message top of mind. Whether you are at the cabin, camping or exploring one of our many beautiful trails, if you see something, say something.

It is also important for people to realize that tossing items to the side of the road is an act of illegal dumping that can prove to be a safety hazard for other motorists and also for the crews who must collect them. We remind everyone to dispose of their garbage and old household items in a responsible and appropriate manner. We all share a responsibility to protect our environment, and also to be mindful of the safety of crews and fellow motorists.

Mr. Speaker, the Crime Stoppers public awareness campaign builds on the Illegal Dumping Surveillance Program, implemented by MMSB and the Town of Conception Bay South to provide participating communities with technology and training to implement effective surveillance and enforcement programs within their jurisdictions.

To date, 15 municipalities have implemented surveillance programs that have resulted in more than 30 charges being laid and over 25 convictions. 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 are working to help effect positive change and protect our communities.

Mr. Speaker, it is through an integrated approach that includes targeted enforcement, community engagement and public education that we will combat illegal dumping. I encourage all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to take an active role. Together, we can make a difference.

2015 05 19                              2:15 p.m.