After parts of the MD of Taber were hit by major hail damage this year, construction companies are hard at work repairing it. However, increased projects have led to increased illegal waste in the region.
MD officials say several recent instances of illegal dumping have been connected to some of that construction work.
MD of Taber’s director of community safety Kirk Hughes said it’s not believed the waste is coming from reputable local companies.
Along with adding stress on local farmers, Hughes said the incidents are now threatening water infrastructure in the area.
“It’s not a victimless crime.
Pedersen said he’s thrilled to see people supporting local businesses like his, but urges caution with selecting contractors to ensure they are utilizing the waste-removal funds provided by most insurance companies.
“It’s a big part of the industry, I mean [regardless of if it’s a] big or small job, it doesn’t matter. There’s things that have to go to the landfill and it should be taken care of properly instead of maliciously dumped in a coulee somewhere,” Pedersen said.
Hughes said the focus right now is on educating people in the MD on proper disposal options.
He urges those with information to come forward.
“If the waste looks familiar to you and it’s yours, you’re not in trouble — unless you did it,” he chuckled. “But if you hired a contractor, we just want to talk to speak to them about this. We can’t have illegal dumpsites. The ones we find are one thing. Who knows how many more are out there that we haven’t located yet?”
Waste removal fees in the Town of Taber are currently $40 for one load.
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