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

New Program Helping Communities Combat Illegal Dumping

MMSB has selected seven municipalities from across Newfoundland and Labrador to participate in an Illegal Dumping Surveillance Assistance Program that provides the equipment and training necessary to implement effective illegal dumping surveillance and enforcement programs within their own communities. A two-day training session for participating municipalities will be held June 6 and 7 in Conception Bay South.

“The environmental impacts of illegal dumping are significant, posing a 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. “This partnership is a wonderful example of how government and communities can work co-operatively to tackle important issues that affect our province.”

MMSB has invested $65,000 from the Waste Management Trust Fund to support the Illegal Dumping Surveillance Program which aims to establish a team of illegal dumping experts and build increased capacity to deal with illegal dumping in the province.

“Although illegal dumping is not a new issue in Newfoundland and Labrador, it is necessary to manage it effectively,” said Mike Samson, CEO of the MMSB. “MMSB is happy to be working with the Town of Conception Bay South and communities throughout the province to reduce the occurrence of illegal dumping.”

The program, based on the successful enforcement and surveillance program implemented by the Town of Conception Bay South, draws upon local experience and expertise, giving other communities an example to follow as they set up their own initiatives to curb illegal dumping. The two-day training session, led by municipal enforcement expert Brian Cranford, will include classroom training and field experience.

“We are very pleased with the success of our enforcement program and of the work Mr. Cranford and his team 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.”

A complete list of select communities is provided in the backgrounder below. For more information about the Illegal Dumping Surveillance Program, please contact MMSB at inquiries@mmsb.nl.ca. 

- 30 -

Media contacts:

BACKGROUNDER:
Illegal Dumping Surveillance Program Participating Communities

The following communities have been invited to participate in MMSB’s Illegal Dumping Surveillance Program and will be participating in the accompanying training session on June 6-7, 2013:

Labrador City
Northern Peninsula Regional Service Board
Town of Deer Lake
Town of Elliston
Town of Marystown
Town of Placentia
Town of Stephenville

The Town of Carbonear and the Town of Wabush have also been invited to share experiences from their successful surveillance programs and participate in the training sessions that are being held as part of the program.

2013 05 29             2:15 p.m.