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Hazards- Illegal Dumping

Hazards- Illegal Dumping

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Illegal dumping is the act of disposing of waste materials in an unapproved location. This act has negative effects on the environment, public health, and the economy. In this article, we will examine some of the consequences of illegal dumping and its effects on communities.

One of the most significant consequences of illegal dumping is the negative impact on the environment. Hazardous waste materials can leak into the soil and contaminate groundwater, which can harm the ecosystem and wildlife. Illegal dumping can also contribute to air pollution, as waste materials can release toxic fumes when they decompose.

Another consequence of illegal dumping is the negative impact on public health. Waste materials, especially hazardous waste, can pose a threat to human health, leading to various diseases and illnesses. Dumped waste can also attract vermin, such as rats and mosquitoes, which can carry diseases.

Illegal dumping also has a detrimental effect on the economy. The cost of cleaning up illegal dump sites can be significant, and this cost is often borne by taxpayers. Additionally, illegal dump sites can lead to a decline in property values, which can negatively affect the local economy.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), illegal dumping has become a significant problem in the United States. In 2018, there were over 25,000 illegal dump sites identified in the country. The EPA estimates that illegal dumping costs the country between $10 billion and $70 billion each year in cleanup costs, lost revenue, and other expenses.

 

In conclusion, illegal dumping has far-reaching consequences that affect the environment, public health, and the economy. Preventing illegal dumping requires a collaborative effort between government agencies, law enforcement, and community members. By taking proactive measures to prevent illegal dumping, we can protect our environment, promote public health, and safeguard our economy.

 

 

 

 

 

Take Control of Illegal Dumping

Take Control of Illegal Dumping

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Illegal dumping is creating an environmental health hazard and must be controlled.

Water is the life of our community and both humans and animals cannot live without it.  Unfortunately, our water sources are under attack by pollutants on every side.  One of the worst cases is illegal dumping, which occurs in almost every city and district.

Even though most communities have resources to remove and depose of trash and unwanted items, people still choose to illegally dump.  The perpetrators are both households and commercial companies.  All items left in areas not intended for dumping cause an environmental hazard but some of the worst are batteries, tires, and asbestos.

The most corrosive items end up in our water supplies.  Think about it.  Asbestos known to cause severe health problems, including cancer, is making its way into our water because someone chose to illegally dump a corrosive pipe from the 1980s that was asbestos cement. Most likely, the person who committed this illegal dumping crime did not know the pipe was asbestos cement, but they did know that they were illegally dumping the pipe Instead of taking it to the appropriate facility to dispose of it in a safe manner.

This frustrating and serious health hazard must be stopped.  Each community must create an Illegal Dumping Enforcement Program!

Empower, stand your ground, take control of illegal dumping!

Illegal Dumping Pollutes Water

Illegal Dumping Pollutes Water

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Public water supplies can become a public health threat if the waterways are contaminated by toxic waste.  This is especially true when the environment encounters the illegal dumping of waste chemicals.  The toxic chemicals enter water wells and other ground water supplies. Common scenarios are illegal dumping sites that contain chemicals that seep into the ground connecting with underground waterways and/or when it rains the rains carry the toxic waste into waterways.

This type of situation happens more often than cities are aware of, as people who illegally dump try to hide the fact that they are doing it.  When this form of illegal dumping continues to go unchecked, it can lead to any number of serious health complications for the population who use the water supply.

There is a good reason the manufacturers of cleaning agents are legally expected to label their products with a hazard warning sign, if it contains hazardous substances that are known to be harmful to humans. Not doing so is dangerous, and the manufacturer is held liable if anyone is harmed by their failure to do so.

Furthermore, certain chemicals become even more toxic when cross-contaminated with other chemicals.  The likelihood of this happening increases when companies regularly dispose of their waste solutions by directly dumping them into public water drains or close to underground water sources.

The solution to preventing this type of public health hazard is simple: protect the water supply from illegal dumping of any sort.  Although regular water testing for chemicals is important – sometimes to help identify if people are dumping chemicals – once the source of the issue is nailed down, it can be easily stopped.

It is paramount that every city enacts an illegal dumping prevention program!

 

Abandoned tires

Illegal Dumping-Stop the Disease

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Most communities struggle with illegal dumping and the problems of disease that illegal dumping creates. Abandoned tires, appliances, and furniture provide the perfect nesting ground for rodents and insects.

Rodents need water, food, and shelter from the environment and other animals that prey on them for food. Discarded items such as tires, pieces of wood, and mattresses offer suitable shelter to make a nest in.  Rodents live to scavenge for food and mate. Did you know rats can have 2,000 offspring in a year? A lot of germ carriers! According to the CDC, rats can transmit 35 diseases to people.

Another germ carrier is an insect.  Insects can transmit disease to people as well.  Insects also need water, shelter, and food to survive.  Unlawfully dumped tires provide an excellent source of pooled water for mosquitos to multiply.  Dump sites have an unsanitary ecosystem full of junk and disease, just waiting for the human host.

Even if the areas are remote, the problem will encroach upon the neighborhoods. Therefore, it is imperative that communities implement an Illegal Dumping Enforcement Program to stop the Illegal dumping that is occurring.

Illegal Dumping Enforcement Programs are designed to stop the unlawfully dumping activities and prevent the multiplying of rodents and insects that bring disease to the residents.  It begins with the priority.  It involves many departments within the community to work together.

What is your city doing to stop illegal dumping and end disease?

#Illegaldumping #publicworks #stopillegaldumping