“The High Desert is not a dump and shouldn’t be treated as such. This time last year I met with iHeart Lake Los Angeles and they provided me with some jaw dropping photos of the debris left in the High Desert,” Wilk said. “I think these photos had a tremendous impact on the Committee’s decision. They clearly show the extent of the problem and the disproportional impact it has on rural and disadvantaged areas.”
Between January of 2017 and March, 89 Antelope Valley properties had a Notice of Building Code Violation recorded by the Department of Public Works. Each of these properties had dumping of waste exceeding 50 cubic yards.
SB 409 seeks to reduce unlawful dumping by requiring that property owners obtain state and local permits prior to allowing dumping on their property. The bill also expands the agencies authorized to declare a property a nuisance with unlawfully dumped waste. Putting tools in the tool belt of the men and women who prosecute unlawful dumpers and dumpsites is the main goal.
“A healthy and prosperous community starts with each and every one of us. Holding land owners accountable for the potentially dangerous impact of unlawful dumping of hazardous waste is not restrictive, it’s protective. We owe it to ourselves, our children, and our planet to deal with our waste wisely and protect the beauty of the land we inhabit,” Wilk said.
The measure received support from CA Association of Professional Scientists, the State’s employed scientists responsible for protecting the public, wildlife, and natural resources from waste and pollution. SB 409 moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee, where it will be assessed for its fiscal costs to the State and localities.
[Information via news release from the office of Senator Scott Wilk. The 21st district includes the Antelope Valley, Victor Valley, and most of the Santa Clarita Valley.]
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Jason Zink says
Go after property owner that pays taxes not the person Illegally Dumping. Reward Illegals and Law Breakers and make hard working property owner liable. Scott Wilk is an idiot along with Tom Lackey. Two of the worst representatives AV ever had. They have done very little except name Hwy after fallen officers. Nice juster but does not make Hwy safer does it? No!
I suggested years ago that the County provide Trash sites throughout AV like they have in other places. Were you go up on a dirt ramp and below is 20 dumpsters you can easily throw stuff in. Landfills are closed when contractors come home from LA clean out jobs so they dump. Make fines higher and jail time and advertise it. Prone areas get motion cameras. Don’t go after property owners Wilk!
Laughing says
Jason, the illegal dumping in this situation has property owners knowingly allowing others to dump on their properties for money. The problem is that some of the dumped material is toxic. Not to mention the eyesore and it never gets buried so it blows away. Plus vermin and safety when people enter the properties where the dumping occurs.
Like the idea of the older style community pickup zone with the ramp and dumpsters. That stopped working in many areas though due to people from outside the area driving in to dump stuff.
Stinger says
Well, to be fair to Alby, Beecee… The trash in the picture does appear to be mostly white…
;-)
Bob says
I though the good old AV was one big dump anyway.
Thomas says
This is committee number 564,786 for illegal dumping in the valley. What says this group will be successful? Remember the photo pay out of 1000 dollars for a conviction. That didn’t solve anything. The only way to put a dent into our trashy desert is have free trash removal, but that will never happen because Waste Management is a private company. Hey Palmdale and Lancaster can buy the dumps and just use our property taxes to run the dump. The current guys now who are supposed to pick up trash in the fields can trade there F-250’s in for a trash truck. It beats what they do now, sitting at Primo Burgers all morning babysitting a breakfast burrito and coffee till its there lunch time. Then going out and picking up one truck load for the day.
Bob says
Just dump it on Agua Dulce canyon road and the road department picks it up
Joe Sage says
What is up with this being some kinda priority???? its nothing but a campaign ploy because it’s only gotten worse since the last time this was made a press event. Introduce a bill requiring trash service for County residents and the issue goes away.
Thomas says
Trash service is already mandatory. The only thing is if you dont pay your bill they stop pick up till you pay. If you never pay they put a lean on your property yet still dont pick anything up. Its just a guarantee pay day for waste management. What has to happen is offer large pick up items to the unincorporated cities. Offer more free dump days like one or two days a month instead of every 6 months. Its common sense we dont need another committee. Its not rocket science its trash.