Dump Stoppers

Dump Stoppers

The Clackamas County Forest and Sheriff's Office, the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management have joined forces to track down and prosecute illegal dumpers on public forest lands. The project, called "Dump Stoppers," is funded by a federal grant to deter illegal dumping and vandalism on U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Clackamas County owned forest lands within the County. The partnership also includes: private timberland owned by Longview Timber, Port Blakely, and Weyerhaeuser, which is adjacent to federal lands; the Oregon Department of Forestry and Department of Fish & Wildlife; Portland General Electric; Hopkins Demonstration Forest; and Oregon Trail School District- Forestry Program. This grant does not apply to illegal dumping on private property.

An increase of illegal dumpsites has taken a toll on federal forested lands in Clackamas County over the years. This continuing problem has prompted the closure of some recreation areas in the county and other sites are being considered for closure.

"The problem is massive," said Tom Ortman, Clackamas County Retired Natural Resource Coordinator and program founder. "This is literally an epidemic of illegal dumping and vandalism and we are facing major health concerns in our public lands."

The Dump Stoppers program utilizes a multi-pronged approach to confront the illegal dumping. At the heart of the program is a Clackamas County Sheriff's Deputy dedicated full-time to tracking down illegal dumpers and vandals, along with support from an Operations Coordinator/Environment Assistant. A Compliance Hearings Officer and/or the District Attorney’s Office support the program as needed to prosecute those caught; and community corrections crews are used to clean up dumpsites.

The Dump Stoppers program has proven to be highly successful. 2009 we collected 90,099 pounds of solid waste, 3,645 pounds of scrap metal, 300 pounds of hazardous waste, 357 tires and removed 50 vehicles. The overall program totals since 2003 are 592,607 pounds of solid waste, 57,676 pounds of scrap metal, 6,770 tires, 369 vehicles, and 2 illegal structures removed from the forest! There was a 40% reduction in waste collected in 2006 compared with 2003, with a slight increase in 2007-2008 and another increase in 2009 specifically construction and remodeling waste. The 2009 increase is most likely due to the current economy. One source of waste that does not seem to dissipate or decrease is the trash associated with shooting areas. The clean up results are due to the hard work of our partners, neighborhood volunteers, coordinated SOLV efforts, and County staff.

In 2009 recycling efforts were stepped up to include recovery of construction dry waste and other recyclable items such as aluminum cans, plastic bottles, glass and cardboard. A total of 6,909 pounds, excluding tires and scrap metal, was removed from the forest and not land filled.

Citizens are asked to play a major role in the Dump Stoppers program. A telephone tipline is available for persons to call when they see or suspect illegal dumping on federal, county, or timber company lands. The number is 503-650-3333 and callers can remain anonymous.

Lawn signs and bumper stickers with the Dump Stoppers logo and phone number will also be available to individuals and groups who live near these forested lands upon request. "We plan on working with local rural groups in a form equivalent to 'Neighborhood Watch' in the urban areas," Ortman said.