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Smile, illegal dumpers, you're being filmed by hidden cameras

E-mail|Link|Comments () June 4, 2009 05:28 PM

(DEP)

An illegal dumper caught at night by the side of a road.

By Stewart Bishop, Globe Correspondent

In an effort to crack down on illegal dumping, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, working with local law enforcement, has installed hidden cameras in public spaces that are considered illegal dumping hotspots as part of the Patrick administration's "Candid Camera" initiative, officials said today.

"Illegal dumping diminishes our public spaces," said Joe Ferson, spokesman for the DEP. "It's an attempt by perpetrators to pass the expense on to the taxpayers."

The "Candid Camera" initiative has so far focused on Boston, Lynn, and Worcester, although nine other communities have participated in varying degrees.

Cameras have captured several instances of illegal dumping in Boston and Lynn, resulting in heavy fines for the perpetrators.

Hidden cameras at notorious dump sites have caught offenders dumping tires in alleys, construction material into the sea, and lead-contaminated soil on city streets, officials said.

Lynn Police Lieutenant William Sharpe praised his department's collaboration with the DEP. "Our partnership has resulted in significant enforcement efforts against illegal dumping in areas prone to the activity," he said. "The quality of the images produced by the DEP cameras are such that the violator's face, plate number and vehicle are clearly visible. In the majority of our cases, individuals have little choice but to plead guilty and incur, in many instances, significant fines because of the quality of the evidence."

Ferson said illegal-dumping sites often constitute serious health and environmental problems, as they attract vermin and insects, as well as more waste. "Illegal dumping sites only attract more illegal dumping," Ferson said. "The potential for negative health impacts from these sites is huge because of their accessibility, especially for children, since its public space."

Ferson said DEP is hopeful that other communities with join with the state to combat the scourge of illegal dumping.