Illegal dumping seen in area near New Waterford water supply

Illegal dumping is a growing problem in Cape Breton, according to a local ATV club that'sseengarbage in the woods near a New Waterford water supply.

"It's not good for the environment," said Dan Fraser, the president of theIsle Royale ATV Club.

Some of the club's riders have seen burned-out cars, electronics, waste oil and piles of trash in the area of Kilkenny Lake.

"It's the wrong thing for people to be doing. We are in a watershed area and that complicates when you've got garbage that has oil or anything else in it," he said.

Some of the garbage even blocks trails used by the ATV drivers.

"It's discouraging people don't realize how much goes into trail development," saidmember Jeff MacNeil. "It's just a poor human activity to do."

Illegal dumping can also be costly to landowners.

"The landowners become responsible for getting rid of their garbage that someone dumped and it's so terribly unreasonable," Fraser said.

If convicted of illegal dumping, fines can range up to $10,000 or one year in jail.

Anyone with information on illegal dumping can call the solid waste hotline (902-567-1337)or the police.