Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Friday announced it has received $94,336 to continue the removal and abatement of illegal dumpsites in Washington County from the Department of Community and Economic Development, Washington County Commissioners – Local Share Account Fund.
The program, initiated in 2011, offers rehabilitation of Washington County Court System, Furlough Into Service participants and a signficiant cost savings to the community through the provision of community service hours. To date, 261,000 pounds of trash and 3,200 tires have been removed.
As part of the funded program, high-tech cameras are positioned at dumpsites throughout Washington County to capture license plate numbers and acts of illegal dumping and vehicle descriptions. All evidence gathered from these cameras is used to prosecute individuals to the fullest extent of the law.
The program has resulted in several fines and successful prosecutions. The cameras will be repositioned around the county as needed.
Illegal dumpsites have existed throughout Washington County for decades, plaguing roadways, hillsides, and streams. In 2005, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful’s Illegal Dump Survey identified 126 sites, containing an estimated 317 tons of trash.
Negative environmental and economic impacts affect citizens, wildlife, and the natural landscape. Chemicals, asbestos, and drug-related waste could impose more elevated risks.
“We are grateful for the funding and support to continue this valuable program. Our collective goal is a clean and beautiful Washington County,” stated Shannon Reiter, Keep PA Beautiful President.
Questions regarding proper disposal of waste and recycling in Washington County can be answered by Jason Theakston, Recycling Coordinator, Washington County Planning Commission, at 724-228-6811, or send email to: theakstj@co.washington.pa.us.