Illegal Dump Clean-Up Program

The Cambria County Solid Waste Authority

Part of the responsibility of the Cambria County Solid Waste Authority is the investigation, documentation, and elimination of illegal dumping activities within the county. An appointed Illegal Dumping Enforcement Officer is in charge of finding illegal dump sites, monitoring their activity, and proposing clean-up needs for individual sites. With the help of local municipalities, the Cambria County Solid Waste Authority intends to find and eliminate all illegal dump sites and stop illegal dumping throughout the County.

What Is Illegal Dumping?

Illegal dumping is the disposal of wastes in an area where it is unpermitted, often to avoid paying the costs for proper disposal. This type of dumping usually takes place along roadsides in remote areas or just outside of neighborhoods. Most people will not travel very far to illegally dump.

What Is In An Illegal Dump?

The most common materials found in illegal dumps are household trash and large items - such as appliances, furniture and tires. Construction and demolition wastes are also common in dumps.

Why Is Illegal Dumping A Problem?

Illegal dumping is a problem not only because it spoils the beauty of Cambria County's forested roads, but also can create serious health risks. Children may use these areas to "explore", which may lead to physical harm (nails and sharp metal) and chemical harm (car batteries, cleaners and the like). Chemicals may also leach out of these dumps into drinking water supplies, as well as pollute surface water such as streams and ponds.

These sites can also be harmful to wildlife that live around them. Animals may consume chemicals found in dumps, or become trapped amongst the mangled mess of tires, plastic containers and metal scrap.

Another major problem associated with illegal dumps is fire. Dumps are sometimes lit on fire, or spontaneously combust. Burning of materials found in dumps can lead to the release of harmful chemicals into the air, only to rain down on other parts of the area. Dump fires can easily spread to their surroundings as well.

What Is Being Done About Illegal Dumping?

The Cambria County Solid Waste Authority, in conjunction with 63 local municipalities, are trying to get a handle on illegal dumping in the County. Nearly every municipality has an area where illegal dumping is taking place. These areas have been mapped and are being watched by an appointed Illegal Dumping Enforcement Officer - and other agencies. The CCSWA will be using various types of surveillance equipment at these sites to monitor and catch violators in the act, and also to help prosecute these violators. Manpower and equipment will be used to try to clean up some of the common places that material is dumped.

What Can WE Do About Illegal Dumping?

Illegal dumps seem to only attract more and more waste. Some think that because there is already material on the ground, it must be ok for them to add to it. It is not. If you know of an illegal dump and see persons using the site, do not approach. Call the Cambria County Solid Waste Authority or your local law enforcement immediately. Reports can be anonymous, and we will act on every tip we receive.