Camera to target illegal dumpers

Smile if you pollute; you might be on camera.

Waste Management donated $6,050 to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office to purchase an infrared, solar-powered camera that will be set up at illegal dumpsites throughout the county.

“We greatly appreciate this opportunity to enforce illegal dumping [regulations] – these cameras have been very successful in other counties catching environmental criminals in the act, prosecuting and administering fines in court, with proof,” Chief Deputy Larry Ashley said.

The impetus behind the gift was the recent cleanup of an illegal dump on Main Drive in Crestview, where polluters had tossed an estimated 700,000 pounds of trash.

Waste Management waived some $15,000 in tipping fees to dispose of the garbage and Emerald Waste Services donated an estimated $50,000 in equipment and manpower during a massive cleanup over the last weekend in January.

The illegal dump, located adjacent to Bob Sikes Airport, was an eyesore for nearby residents and for those flying into the city.

“We can’t thank Waste Management enough for their involvement in the Main Drive Clean up,” Okaloosa County Commission Chairman Wayne Harris said. “You can now fly into Bob Sikes Airport and not see trash, and the cameras allow Okaloosa County to enforce illegal dumping [laws] in the future.” 

Despite regular patrols, catching polluters in the act has proved difficult in the past, officials said.

Deputies with the Environmental Enforcement Division suggested the purchase of a “FlashCam” camera that could be set up in problem areas. The camera can capture the image of a license plate number at 300 feet in the dark and is triggered by movement.

Officials at the sheriff’s office said, recently, however, that they could not afford to purchase the camera. Then Waste Management stepped in.

“We just wanted to do more and sought funding through the Waste Management/Keep America Beautiful, Target City Awards Program recognizing community cleanup and beautification efforts, allowing us to take this to the next level – we are privileged to be a part of this clean up of our county now and in the future,” stated Waste Management Public Sector Services Manager Paula Riggs. 

The county erected gates at the entrances to the former illegal dump in Crestview and deputies have vowed to make an example of those caught dumping in the future.

“We really want to send a message to people that this is very bad for the environment, it is illegal and we will prosecute illegal dumping following this massive community effort,” stated Environmental Enforcement Officer David Holt.