Police hoping for tips re illegal dumping

File 20-22163

Somewhere there’s a homeowner in Delta, Surrey or perhaps New West or Richmond, with a major renovation underway, who might recognize some illegally dumped debris. It’s a growing problem in Delta, and it is already costing taxpayers and private residents about $50,000-$60,000 in the past two weeks.

“We’re hoping that by releasing pictures of this dumped debris, someone might recognize items from their renovation and contact police,” says Cris Leykauf, spokesperson for Delta Police.  They’re asked to call 604-946-4411 and quote file #20-22163.

Large dump truck or bin sized loads of renovation waste, potentially from more than one project, has been dumped in farm areas and off rural roads in North and South Delta.

The mixed renovation waste includes uncontained drywall, lumber, insulation, glass, plumbing pipes, flooring, and some residential household waste.  The drywall poses an environmental and health hazard as, at least one of the dump sites has tested positive for asbestos. The content required specialized clean up and disposal methods.  The cost to the City of Delta can reach or exceed $10,000 per dump site.

“As contents appear to be mixed, officers believe they have come from various locations,” says Leykauf. She notes that the investigation is ongoing, but police hope to obtain new information by releasing photos of the debris.

“Our residents enjoy the many open and green areas in Delta, and illegal dumping directly impacts everyone,” says Leykauf. “While at least in one case the costs of clean-up has had to be directly born by the property owner, all Delta residents are unfortunately going to be paying for this.”

Depending on circumstances, penalties may include bylaw offences and fines, and criminal mischief charges. With hazardous waste, penalties can be up to $1,00,000 under the Environmental Management Act, and six months in jail.