In rural areas, burning at dump sites can cause forest fires and severe erosion as fires burn away trees and undergrowth.
Hidalgo County Precinct 3 has started a new program that will reward witnesses who report illegal dumping in the area.
This initiative will be known as the Don’t Mess with Precinct 3 Reward Program which will provide people who report illegal dumping the possibility to receive a $500 reward.
“We hope that this sends a strong message that Precinct 3 will not tolerate illegal dumping in our neighborhoods and along our streets,” Precinct 3 Commissioner Everardo “Ever” Villarreal said in a news release.
Villarreal added that illegal dumping isn’t a victimless crime.
Natural processes on land can be disrupted, for instance, and interfere with the natural flow of water in areas susceptible to flooding, like ravines, creeks and drainage basins.
Improper disposal of toxic substances like motor oil or household cleansers can contaminate lakes, streams and drinking water supplies.
“In rural areas, burning at dump sites can cause forest fires and severe erosion as fires burn away trees and undergrowth,” the release said.
To be eligible for the $500 reward, one must report the violator’s physical description, the vehicle, its license plate number with its color, make and model.
The report must also include the time and date, location and the type of materials illegally dumped as well as other identifying or incriminating evidence.
The release states that county employees or family members of county employees are not eligible to receive rewards, only reports of materials dumped in Precinct 3 areas are eligible for a reward.
Littering and materials dumped on private property don’t apply for the program.
To report illegal dumping, call (956) 585-4509.
