Illegal dumping – whether it’s industrial waste or yard waste – is costing Simcoe County thousands to clean up as it works to protect county forests, says Debbie Korolnek, the county’s engineering, planning and environment general manager.
“Unfortunately, illegal dumping is a bigger problem than you’d think. It’s disappointing, very disappointing,” she said.
In mid-June, the county had two sites to clean up.
In part of the Hendrie Tract of the county forests – the tract in the Anten Mills area, off of Wilson Road – county staff removed 32 five-gallon pails.
“We had to get a specialized (hazardous waste disposal) company in. It cost us likely $5,000,” Korolnek said, adding they had to identify the various chemicals and properly dispose of them.
The specialists identified used oil in 19 containers, transmission oil in three, a container of vacuum pump oil, two with industrial circulation oil, two with pulling grease, one with Hypoid oil, one with antifreeze and a pails of each of gasoline, roofing tar and oil-based paint.
In another cleanup site, off of Nursery Road, there were 12 45-gallon drums, some entirely oil and others oil mixed with water.
The Ministry of the Environment told the county there was no contamination.
The county is continuing to investigate who used the forests it’s trying to protect as a dumping ground, as the dumping is prohibited under not only county bylaws, but Ontario’s Environmental Protection Act.
Korolnek added the county makes disposing of hazardous waste easy as its landfills accept the waste for free to ensure it’s handled properly.
She added even yard waste can contaminate the forests and upset the ecosystem’s balance.
“Even yard waste can be dangerous, because it can carry invasive species,” she added.
More than 30 tons of garbage is collected each year in the county forests, with volunteers pitching in to help clean up.
She suggested residents or hikers or cyclists who spot illegal dumping as it occurs should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
“It’d be impossible for us to put security cameras everywhere so we rely on people to be our eyes and ears,” she said.
“There is no excuse to be dumping in the county forests. It hurts everyone. It costs taxpayers money.”
Warden Gerry Marshall said not only is there a cost to taxpayers today, illegal dumping could have long-term consequences.
“Illegal dumping is a selfish act that not only has the potential to create long-term issues, it takes valuable resources away from other services.”
