This month's From the Director is by guest author Mike Duvall, director of the Division of Environmental Services.
Have you ever travelled one of the many scenic corridors or highways that our beautiful county has to offer, only to spot a carelessly discarded furniture item, appliance, scrap tire, or even trash bag along the roadside? Not a pleasant nor a welcome sight for sure!
This subject received some attention in 2007 when a problem dumpsite was profiled in the Suburban Journal. The article performed an excellent service by illustrating the difficulties of dealing with these unwelcome and illegal dumpsites.
The bad news is that we still experience some vestiges of this old dumping practice, especially in more remote areas. The good news is that activities carried out by the St. Charles County Division of Environmental Services (DES) continue to reduce the frequency and volume of these activities. Over time, a combination of public education, operation of recycling facilities, surveillance, enforcement, and the operation of a roadside pickup service have collectively made a positive difference. Our goal is the complete elimination of illicit dumping in our county and to put this practice in the back pages of history where it belongs.
We need your continued help as our valued public partners in this endeavor. As our eyes and ears in the field, we encourage you to report any sightings of dumped material or other environmental problems in confidence by calling (636) 949-7415 or through contact forms on our website, www.scchealth.org/es. Together, we can fulfill the mission of protecting and enhancing our environment throughout St. Charles County for the betterment and enjoyment of future generations.