Environment and Conservation
Municipal Affairs
February 19, 2013

The following is being distributed at the request of the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board:

New Program to Help Combat Illegal Dumping

A new surveillance program to help municipalities across Newfoundland and Labrador deal with the issue of illegal dumping was announced today (Tuesday, February 19). The new program is based on the Town of Conception Bay South’s successful enforcement and surveillance program and will provide municipalities with the tools, support and training necessary to implement effective illegal dumping surveillance and enforcement programs within their own communities.

“The potential environmental impacts of illegal dumping are significant, posing a serious threat to plants and wildlife in our local ecosystems,” said the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Environment and Conversation and Minister Responsible for the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board. “Our new Illegal Dumping Surveillance Program is a wonderful example of how government and communities can work co-operatively to tackle important issues that affect our province.”

The Illegal Dumping Surveillance Program will provide up to seven communities throughout the province with enforcement training and education, surveillance equipment and installation; and, access to enforcement expert, Mr. Brian Cranford, Municipal Enforcement Manager for the Town of Conception Bay South.

“This is a significant development, as part of our overall Provincial Waste Management Strategy and I commend the MMSB for their efforts,” said the Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs. “I encourage all municipalities to take part in this training program. By drawing on the experience of the Town of Conception Bay South, the MMSB is giving other communities an example to follow as they set up their own initiatives to curb illegal dumping.”

The goal of the Illegal Dumping Surveillance Program is to establish a team of illegal dumping experts and build increased capacity to deal with illegal dumping throughout the province.

“Although illegal dumping is not a new issue in Newfoundland and Labrador, it is necessary to manage it effectively,” said Leigh Puddester, Chair of the MMSB. “MMSB is happy to be working with the Town of Conception Bay South and Mr. Cranford to help other communities throughout the province reduce the occurrence of illegal dumping within their own areas.”
MMSB, in partnership with Mr. Cranford, is hosting a series of enforcement information sessions throughout the province. The first session is taking place on February 25 in Marystown. Municipalities are encouraged to attend the information session closest to them. For a complete schedule of information sessions, please refer to the backgrounder below.

“We are very pleased with the success of our enforcement program and of the work Mr. Cranford has accomplished for our Town,” said Woodrow French, Mayor of the Town of Conception Bay South. “We are happy to be working with MMSB to help other communities throughout the province tackle this important issue.”

For more information about the Illegal Dumping Surveillance Program, please contact MMSB at inquires@mmsb.nl.ca. MMSB is investing $65,000 from the Waste Management Trust Fund for the program.

MMSB is a Crown agency that reports to the Minister of the Environment and Conservation. The MMSB supports modern waste management practices in the province, with a particular focus on waste diversion, recycling and public education, in order to ensure a clean and healthy environment throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

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BACKGROUNDER:
Illegal Dumping Surveillance Program Information Session Schedule

Below is a schedule of training sessions for the Illegal Dumping Surveillance Program. Municipalities are encouraged to attend the session nearest their community.

2013 02 19                         3:00 p.m.