In light of recent illegal dumping issues (see The NEWS, April 19), the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) is joining forces with Nanaimo and District Crime Stoppers, Island Timberlands and TimberWest to crack down on illegal dumping across the region.
Combined, the RDN, Island Timberlands and TimberWest spend more than $200,000 each year combating illegal dumping. This includes paying for cleanup, staff time and waived fees at the landfill.
“Working together will certainly help us in our efforts to curb illegal dumping in the region,” said RDN Deputy Chair Colin Haime. “This problem is terrible for the environment as well as expensive to address and we need help from the public and landowners to reduce its impact.”
Nanaimo and District Crime Stoppers will provide rewards for anonymous tips that lead to identifying those responsible for committing a crime, including illegal dumping.
“Crime Stoppers is the most effective method of getting anonymous information from the public to the appropriate agency,” said Chuck Campbell, Nanaimo and District Crime Stoppers president. “We just want the information, not your name and you do not have to go to court.”
“Not only is illegal dumping an unappealing sight to come across in the forest, it can also be a health hazard and cause environmental damage,” said Domenico Iannidinardo, VP Sustainability and Chief Forester at TimberWest.
“The partnership we have struck with Crime Stoppers will give the good citizens in our communities a central place to call when they see illegal dumping taking place.”
“Illegal dumping is an ongoing challenge,” said Mackenzie Leine, Manager of Community and Government Relations at Island Timberlands. “Working together as a community is a way to get positive results and working with Crime Stoppers helps us all achieve that goal safely.”
Representatives of Island Timberlands and TimberWest will meet with RDN Bylaw Enforcement monthly to share information on dump sites, individuals involved in illegal dumping and anonymous tips received through Crime Stoppers.
If you see someone committing a crime, including illegal dumping, call 1-800-222-8477, text 274637, keyword ‘Nanaimo’ or submit a tip online at www.nanaimocrimestoppers.com
You can also report illegal dumping to the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) line at 1-877-952-7277.
