x
Breaking News
More () »

Cameras capture illegal dumping

New surveillance cameras have just been installed to catch illegal dumpers in action

The city has a brand new weapon to fight the problem of illegal dumping and it is already making a difference in one south side neighborhood. Chavaneaux Road has been plagued by midnight dumpers for years.

District Four Council Representative Rey Saldana said because the area is isolated, it is an easy target for those who want to come out in the dead of night and illegally dispose of household trash.

Saldana said, “It is revolting. It is disgusting that folks feel like they can just take the trash they have in their home and dump it in their community.”

The problem is not confined to roadways. Saldana said local natural areas are at risk as well.

“In some cases, they're dumping in our river and creek ways, which is terrible for our environment and terrible for our community to clean up and see that mess. So we're using cameras to get license plates, faces, to detect motion and send out a message to make them pay the price.”

Saldana said a high-definition surveillance camera installed on a utility pole is keeping an unblinking eye on the area and the dumping has come to a stop for the moment.

Not only does the camera record images of those who pass, the system also has a loud audio component that voices a warning.

“We don't want it to be a secret. There's an audible noise that warns people,” Saldana said.

When the camera detects motion, a loud recording announces: "Stop. This is a restricted area. Your photograph was just taken. We will use this to prosecute you. Leave the area now."

Saldana said the area was cleaned just before the system was installed several weeks ago, and there has been no significant dumping in the area since then.

Saldana said the camera is capable of recording both license plates and images of people engaged in illegal acts.

He said once they identify a dumper, code enforcement officers will pay that household a visit.

“We will say, ‘Look, we know that this is you, your vehicle on this camera and we need to solve this problem so it's either going to be a $200 or $300 dollar fine, showing up in front of a courtroom to explain your actions, but we want to solve this problem.’” Saldana said.

Saldana said they are not revealing how many cameras are in service, or where they are deployed.

He added that it easy to avoid illegal dumping trouble by calling 3-1-1 to find out more about all the free ways to dispose of trash properly.

“We're picking up bulky items twice a year now, whereas before, it was only once a year and we're offering free places for people to dump. All you have to do is show your bill. It's free! There is no excuse for people doing what they are currently doing, which is going to a dark street, without much traffic and unloading the back of a truck with trash that they had at their home,” Saldana added emphatically.

Saldana says the camera will not be in one place forever.

City crews will be taking this show on the road, and targeting the worst illegal dumping sites all over town.

To learn more about solid waste services, visit the city’s website.

Before You Leave, Check This Out