Now is the time for spring cleaning, but for many property owners the trash they’re faced with is not of their own making.
The Maine Forest Service receives complaints year-round from landowners reporting cases of illegal dumping. As winter’s snow melts away, often is revealed a hidden mess left behind by individuals who have no respect for another’s property.
“We see large amounts of household trash — garbage bags tossed along roads. Bigger items include tires and white goods, such as washing machines,” said Forest Ranger II Steve Wipperman, who spends much of his time throughout the year investigating such cases.
Wipperman said the problem is widespread, with reports coming from all over Aroostook County.
“We find a lot on the outskirts of towns, just beyond town limits. The most I’ve ever found at one site was over 300 pounds — included tires, trash and metal goods,” he said.
A first offense can earn an individual a fine of $500.
“It can be a criminal charge if someone’s dumping commercially,” noted Wipperman.
Wipperman said debris can be not only a problem for the property owner but wildlife as well.
“Tires, kitchen appliances, water heaters, etc. can contaminate ground water. Hazardous materials end up in groundwater, contaminating water sources for wildlife,” said Wipperman. “We’ve even found used motor oil in 5-gallon pails.”
“It’s cheaper to go to the landfill and dispose of items properly than to pay a fine and the cost of cleanup,” Wipperman said.
“People choose to dump illegally, often because they deem it inconvenient to dispose of things properly. But they pay a bigger price once caught, including a fine, restitution and public service hours,” said Robby Gross, district forest ranger, MFS.
Gross said this is an ongoing problem.
“It’s not going away. We’re involved each year in Landowner Appreciation Day and encourage nonprofit groups to devote time to helping with the annual cleanups held throughout the state,” said Gross.
He said it’s frustrating, having worked cleanup on a site one year only to have garbage dumped at the same location before the next collection can be scheduled.
“Two years ago we really became involved in LAD. Last year, once done at a location, we posted signs ‘cleaned up by … ‘ hoping someone driving by would acknowledge the great service the respective group did. We try to take a more active role in those areas — take a more aggressive stance with people found dumping,” said Gross.
Gross said those misusing another’s property don’t care that they may be affecting its future public use.
“There are consequences from their actions (illegal dumping); everybody might not be able to use the property if the landowner says ‘enough’s enough’ and blocks access,” he said.
He said the Forest Service and other law enforcement agencies encourage individuals to use respect with regard to private property.
Last year Gross said his region (northern region of Aroostook) fielded 119 litter complaints. Reports ranged from minor garbage — food containers along ATV trails — to more serious dumping of tires, metal and more.
“We’re making a big effort, working with landowners, their neighbors and the public. Out of the 119 claims, we issued 14 summonses and $2,230 in fines were paid. A lot of cases we were able to resolve due to quick response. For example, one caller reported a pickup had gone into a site with garbage and came out with none. Because the call was made promptly, we were able to address the matter quickly,” said Gross.
Gross said a “significant portion of our time is devoted to these cases.”
“We had over 124 hours invested in 119 complaints. Some were minor in nature, some were substantial,” he said.
Though it’s spring, Gross and his staff are already preparing for this fall’s cleanup day.
“It takes place in September and is an annual event. Volunteers can call any time and we’ll set them up with a location that needs to be cleaned. If anyone knows of a site or property in need of cleanup, or wants to help, let us know,” Gross said.
He said last year’s LAD cleanup in the northern region of Aroostook garnered 21,070 pounds of garbage.
“We collected over 10.5 tons in September 2012. That accounts for bags of garbage, 231 tires, 22 televisions, 14 appliances — including refrigerators — and 10 mattresses,” said Gross.
Gross said hazardous materials are a major problem.
“They affect both animals and people. Chemicals can be harmful to the environment. Needles have been found and are a major risk — not just household garbage,” he said.
“Many cases of illegal dumping are found in areas frequented by people. Instances of exposure go up the more people frequent an area,” continued Gross.
Gross said while the trash can be an eyesore and potentially hazardous, it can also create other problems.
“Once the garbage is dumped, it attracts more illegal dumping. There’s also the potential danger of the wildlife it attracts, especially bear and rodents that can spread disease,” Gross said.
As the snow melts and trash dries, it can also become a fire hazard.
“Spring fire season is here. A piece of glass mixed in with combustible materials or dumped in grass or brush can magnify the sun and result in a fire. This is how many wildfires start,” said Gross.
“Illegal dumping is a problem and one that needs to be addressed. People need to understand their actions have consequences and impact others,” said Gross. “We’ve had success in finding past perpetrators and will continue to investigate as sites are identified.”
“Maine is a beautiful place. Working together, we can keep it that way for generations to come,” said Gross.
For more information or to make a report, call the MFS regional office at 435-7963 or you can visit www.maineforestservice.gov.
