Press Release - Wednesday, September 29, 2010
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Illinois EPA Launches Open Dump Prevention Initiative And Showcases Cleanup of Markham Open Dump Site
MARKHAM—While highlighting recently completed work at a Markham open dump site, Illinois EPA director Doug Scott today announced a statewide initiative to prevent illegal dumps, using a combination of public education and enforcement measures.
Director Scott was joined by state and local law enforcement agencies, public health agencies and conservation groups to convey the message that illegal dumping can present chemical, biological and physical hazards to trespassers and nearby neighbors. They also wanted to communicate that local law enforcement agencies not only have the authority, but also the responsibility under the Environmental Protection Act to cite and arrest illegal dumpers.
"Cleanup of the Markham dump site has alone cost the taxpayers of Illinois hundreds of thousands of dollars," said Illinois EPA Director Doug Scott. "This is an intolerable situation. This is not just fly dumping; this is construction and demolition debris, discarded vehicles, boats, equipment, and materials from street and road repairs."
At the Markham site, the Illinois EPA cleaned up for proper disposal 689 truckloads containing 10,409 tons of various non-hazardous wastes and debris and more than 56,000 passenger tires (633 tons). In addition, there were abandoned mobile homes, boats and other debris. Mosquito species analyzed from the illegal dump site in Markham were found to be the species that are capable of carrying West Nile Virus and a type of encephalitis.
The Village of Markham has successfully apprehended offenders who were attempting to dump additional waste at the site. Markham has increased its patrol of the area and has taken additional surveillance measures to help keep the site clean.
Illegal dump sites frequently pose physical, chemical and biological hazards. Rainwater collected in discarded items, especially tires, provides a place for mosquitoes to breed. Containers of discarded chemicals, petroleum items and unknown hazards are often found in illegal dump sites.
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