Illegal Dumping

Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is asking for your support to stop illegal dumping.

Bottles, plastic trays and garbage lay in piles all over the ground off of Snow Hill Road and along the water in Harrison.          Christy Twilla, TWRA Officer said, "We have people dumping large amounts of trash like this all over now. Anything from household materials to TVs, mattresses, anything like that." Christy Twilla with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency says that illegal dumping has increased dramatically at ten public access areas the past two years. Twilla said, "I’m not sure why this area in particular. A lot of our access areas are kind of off the beaten path off main roads, so they feel safe that they won’t get caught dumping."

Dumping can affect human safety and water quality along areas like this one at Harrison Bay. Products left on the ground containing metal can leach into the soil and become harmful to the environment as well. Mime Barnes, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency said, "Imagine all of the heavy rain that we have had this past week. Just trash getting pushed into our water ways, so environmentally it is affecting a greater ecosystem." Twilla said, "It’s horrible for the environment. Nobody wants to come out to our boat ramps and access areas and see this. It’s bad for the enviroment and bad for the wildlife." TWRA representatives say they are increasing their law enforcement and trying to patrol the area more. Those caught dumping their garbage illegally will pay a hefty penalty. Twilla said, "There’s different levels depending on the amounts. Something like this could be up to a 25-hundred fine and up to 160 hours of public works cleaning up litter."

If anyone sees illegal dumping taking place you are urged to contact TWRA. Their contact information can be found here: http://www.tn.gov/twra/article/twra-region-iv.