FREDERICTON (CNB) – 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 a company.

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.

“Our department is monitoring this activity but we ask for the public’s help,” said Northrup. “Please contact our department, the Environment Department, Crime Stoppers or the New Brunswick Solid Waste Association if you see illegal dumping taking place.”

The New Brunswick Solid Waste Association operates an illegal dumping hotline at 1-877-777-4218 or e-mail [email protected].

The New Brunswick Crime Stoppers hotline is 1-800-222-8477 (1-800-222-TIPS) or they can be reached online.

LINKS:

●    Crime Stoppers: www.crimenb.ca
●    Department of Natural Resources: www.gnb.ca/naturalresources


25-11-11