News & Events

Agencies team up to clear dump sites
By MARK J. MILLER, Staff writer
(originally appeared in the Steubenville Herald Star)

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POTTERY ADDITION — Two local agencies have teamed up to rid an area along county Road 7G of illegal dump sites filled with tires and other debris.

Jefferson County Recycling and Litter Prevention, along with the Belmont-Jefferson Regional Solid Waste Authority joined resources to clean up illegal dump sites along the former old state Route 7, according to Diane Julio, director of the recycling and litter prevention agency.

“We are working on the Great American Cleanup campaign with Honda (motor company),” said Julio. “We’re trying to get as many areas in the county cleaned up as possible.”

Julio said the agency is attempting to win funds from the company and use the funds to purchase a portable camera that can be mounted and used to surreptitiously photograph individuals illegally dumping at known illegal dump sites in Jefferson County. Julio said the agency needs as many volunteers as possible to assist in cleaning up the county before May 31, when the Honda-sponsored cleanup ends.

“We need support from volunteers in Jefferson County because the campaign will be judged on how much litter is cleaned up on roadways,” Julio said.

She added dump sites along the old highway are some of the most blighted in the county, with truck tires, old car batteries and other debris littering the roadside. The agency previously cleaned up the area at a cost of $10,000 a few years ago, and Julio said the area is a constant target for those dumping illegally.

“This is a priority we are working on,” Julio said. “This is an ongoing process up here.”

Pat Lanaghan, executive director of the Belmont-Jefferson Regional Solid Waste Authority, said the agencies had enlisted the assistance of inmates at the Eastern Ohio Correction Center to clean up the roadway.

“They are going to help as part of their community service,” said Lanaghan.

Julio said the residents of Pottery Addition deserve better than to have their community used as a dumping ground.

“The people in this area need to work with us to resolve the situation,” said Julio, adding the agency wants citizens who witness illegal dumping to report the matter to the authorities. “(The dumps) are an eyesore and a health hazard.”

Julio cited the dumps as a breeding ground for mosquitos and other insects that could potentially carry disease. She also said the area is an environmental hazard, as chemicals from car batteries and other waste deposited along the road eventually leeches into the Ohio River, which lies a few hundred yards from the roadway.

“This stuff does seep into the groundwater,” said Julio. “It’s not right for the people who live here.”

Julio added the dumps aren’t fair to local businesses in the area that try to follow environmental guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency and other government entities.

“As we begin getting revenue from the (Apex Environmental Landfill), we will be working with Jefferson County on litter prevention, so that when we clean up an area we’re not doing it over and over again,” said Lanaghan, adding pro-active litter prevention and enforcement of current litter laws will be part of the future.

“When that begins to happen, you’ll see a lot of (this blight) disappear,” he added.

If interested in volunteering for the Jefferson County cleanup, call (740) 283-8614.

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