Pocono News Section

Report: Illegal Dumping a Problem in Lackawanna County

Report: Illegal Dumping a Problem in Lackawanna County - Tuesday, July 28, 2009 at 5:27PM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Tuesday, Jul 28, 2009 @ 05:27pm EST
RANSOM TOWNSHIP, LACKAWANNA COUNTY - A new study shows illegal dumping is becoming more and more of a problem across the state. One of the hardest hit areas is in Lackawanna County according to the report from PA Cleanways.

The 23-page report shows Lackawanna County has at least 92 illegal dumping sites that have at least 424 tons of rubbish.

Eyewitness News found unwanted couches, old rugs and overused tires on Upper Narrows Road in Ransom Township. People who live in the area know their one of the illegal dumping grounds.

"One of the interesting thigns was a piano taken apart. Basically, a whole piano," Jack Bert said. Bert is a homeowner in Ransom Township.

Ransom Township is one of the worst areas for illegal dumping in the county.

"That doesn't surprise me because that's a back road. People just go down there and throw everything," Betty Larue said.

On Upper Narrows Road in Ransom Township alone, there's an estimated 60 tons of trash, including hazardous waste. Environmentalists are concerned because the road is right along the Susquehanna River.

"A lot of the garbage, I'm sure, comes from out of the town. I don't think it comes from the people of Ransom. If we had a way of stopping it, we would, because we have skunks and all types of animals," Ruth Shotwell said.

According to the study, officials say it will cost roughly $600-$1000 to clean up one ton of trash. With 60 tons dumped in Ransom Township alone, that bill would top $36,000.

Homeowners don't blame South Abington Township police who cover the area for a lack of patrols. They say the road just isn't well maintained.

"If they were to open the road and maintain it again, I think there would be enough cars going up and down it that they wouldn't have to worry so much about it," Shotwell said.

Also, residents wish people would care a little more.

"We have free trash collection in the spring and fall. The township has a very good program," Bert.

The report says extra police patrols and enforcement, alson with community education, can cut down on the illegal dumping problem.

Snyder County was also a part of this year's study. The study found that county has 45 illegal dumping sites with 58 tons of trash.

To read the rull report, visit www. pacleanways. org.