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Gov’t agencies meet to curb illegal dumping
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Posted on Nov 16 2000
As a result of the mounting complaints of illegal dumping of garbage on the island, a meeting with different government agencies will be held next week to reactivate the litter control officers.
According to David Chargualaf, Division of Environmental Quality’s manager of Air and Toxic Branch, the officers will be responsible in apprehending people who are caught illegally dumping their waste.
The different government agencies to be mobilized in the anti-littering campaign include the Department of Public Works, Department of Lands and Natural Resources, Coastal Resources Management and the Department of Public Safety.
Illegal dumping sites have been discovered on the island after DPW implemented the tipping fee. Only businesses are supposed to pay tipping fees but inadequate information campaign created confusion making residents believe that they must also pay when they bring their garbage to Puerto Rico dump.
Residents have complained to authorities about illegal dumping areas which have sprouted in Kagman 2, Finasisu and Chalan Kanoa. The trash include old car batteries and drums of used oil.
Rep. Heinz Hofschneider has called the attention of his colleagues to impose stricter penalties to people caught littering on the island as he warned the people about the negative effects on tourism.
DEQ has reminded the people that those who will be caught illegally dumping their waste will be prosecuted and ordered to pay a fine from $200 to $500.
The government has decided to collect tipping fee to force people to recycle and be more conscious of the amount of garbage they throw away. DEQ has requested the police to monitor Kagman 2 to discourage people from dumping their waste there or in any open space on the island.
The House of Representatives is looking at the possibility of strengthening existing regulations against illegal dumping of garbage by implementing a reward system that will encourage people to report those who throw their garbage anywhere.
