FREDERICTON (GNB) – Illegal dumping poses environmental, health and fire risks and can lead to significant fines for those caught and convicted.
"Illegal dumping is not acceptable, and it detracts from our enjoyment of the natural environment around us," said Natural Resources Minister Bruce Northrup. "Our department is working with Crime Stoppers and other law enforcement agencies to make the public aware that this activity is illegal and can result in hefty fines."
Fines range from $500 to $20,500 for individuals and from $1,000 to $1 million for companies.
Illegal dumping occurs when unwanted waste is disposed of in undesirable locations such as vacant or private properties, Crown lands, woods, bushes, roadsides and waterways. This can cause serious health and environmental problems, create risk of fires and lead to significant expenses from cleaning up the sites.
Historically, there is a spike in illegal dumping that takes place in the spring.
"As a result, our department is closely monitoring this activity at this time of year but we ask for the public's help," said Northrup. "Please contact our department, the Department of Environment and Local Government or New Brunswick Crime Stoppers if you see illegal dumping taking place."
New Brunswick Crime Stoppers can be reached through its hotline, 1-800-222-8477 (1-800-222-TIPS), or it can be reached online.
LINKS:
● New Brunswick Crime Stoppers
● Department of Natural Resources