Volunteers clean up dump site on Crown land near Peachland
Mess left behind by squatters arrested for mail fraud
A group of local citizens came out on Saturday to clean up an illegal dump site on Crown land north of Peachland.
The mess was left behind this winter after two squatters were arrested for mail fraud.
The dump site in a secluded spot in the bush off Trepanier Road had been home to the pair and a stolen 10.6-metre RV.
RCMP towed the trailer out in December, but in its wake was left a massive amount of household garbage, makeshift structures and hazardous chemicals.
In preparation for Saturday’s cleanup, a haz-mat team was hired to remove the remnants of the rudimentary drug lab, including various acids, aerosols and dozens of propane tanks.
Regional waste reduction facilitator Rae Stewart said this was one of the uglier sites they’ve seen in some time, and all just metres away from the banks of Trepanier Creek, a source of Peachland’s drinking water.
“The dozens of volunteers that lent their muscle to the cause Saturday deserve an enormous environmental salute,” she said. “Thank you to each and every one of the dedicated volunteers that showed up and did their all to take care of one ugly mess.”
Cleanup volunteer co-ordinator Keith Nixon, who lives near the dump site, says he’s thrilled this blight on their backyard playground is now gone.
“Unfortunately, this kind of thing is all too common, but this cleanup was a roaring success with over 23 volunteers, including representation from the Peachland Watershed Protection Alliance, Mayor Cindy Fortin and the Peachland Lions.
“A 40-yard Dumpster (from For Less Disposal) was filled to the brim in just over 2 1/2 hours . . . . Job completed, nature restored.”
If you see an illegal dump site, fill out an online report at regionaldistrict.com/reportillegaldumping or call the regional waste reduction office at 250-469-6250. Be sure to include a detailed description of the area (or GPS co-ordinates) for the illegal dump site, the size of the dump site, type of items that were dumped and your contact information.
The regional waste reduction office will supply any groups interested in cleaning up their community with bags and gloves to support their efforts, and will arrange for the collection and disposal of the garbage collected.