Illegal dumping is a problem in nearly 50 sites around Chattanooga, but a certain watchdog is cracking down on chronic dumping. A month ago cameras were placed throughout the city to ward off potential dumpers. The city has also cleaned up one major dump site in the 2400 Block of 13th Avenue.

"I've been here four years and I have never seen it clean like this," says Anita Burgess who live in the neighborhood. Since the cleanup efforts and the cameras have been on call, they have been a success. City Councilman Manuel Rico says, "Ever since we've cleaned up, put cameras in we've had no problems we haven't had one dump."

The cameras are motion-sensitive and when a dumper crosses its lens they hear a verbal warning and a picture is taken. Along with the cameras, public works inspectors are monitoring these sites. City officials say while this one has been free of dumping, that doesn't mean people haven'tthought about it.

"We haven't caught anyone illegally dumping but we have had cases where people pull up with debris in their vehicle and the camera has warned them off," says Chattanooga Public Works Sanitation Manager Justin Holland.

Neighbors say the camera works so well that it sends the warning message out to passersby who don't intend to dump. Overall, the city says the 13th Avenue location has been a success and other locations still need work. They have already ordered more cameras and expect to put them up soon.

"It's 100 percent successful and we're extremely excited that its being used as a deterrent for would be illegal dumpers," says Justin Holland.