OUR COMMON GROUND
Many of our state forests and parks are being used as dumping grounds for a variety of unsightly and unsafe materials. Unfortunately, certain individuals are trashing our public spaces with items such as refrigerators, automobile parts, and construction debris. These careless actions pose health and environmental problems. They also detract from the natural experiences that many are seeking when they explore our state’s treasured lands. Recent dumping incidents have occurred in Lanesborough (Balance Rock State Forest), Hancock (Pittsfield State Forest), and Washington (October Mountain State Forest). While there are laws prohibiting illegal dumping, we can do more to assist the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and local officials in stopping these crimes.
In response to more pronounced instances of illegal dumping in the Commonwealth's forests and parks, I am proposing the Common Ground Initiative. This plan has received the support of DEM Commissioner Peter C. Webber, Berkshire County District Attorney Gerard D. Downing, Division of Fisheries and Wildlife Commissioner David Peters, the State Police, and the Environmental Police.
The Common Ground Initiative has several components. First, I am filing legislation that would increase the fines for dumping on state land. If enacted, this legislation would increase the fines for dumping on state owned land to $5,500 for the first offense and $15,000 for additional offenses. Moreover, this legislation applies to all state owned land, from areas held in conservation restrictions to state forests and parks.
Second, I will work to increase funding for DEM, so that the agency is better equipped to monitor and patrol our state parks and forests for illegal dumping. This funding will also assist in covering the costs associated with removing and disposing of waste.
Third, for the initiative to be successful, we must address the root of the problem and educate the public of our intentions to prosecute to fullest extent of the law these thoughtless actions. Our state parks and forests require more notification signs that will alert the public of the penalties for illegal dumping, and to direct the public to report dumping incidents. Similarly, public service announcements (PSAs) will be used to increase awareness of the dumping problem and penalties.
Fourth, I have spoken with Berkshire County Sheriff Carmen C. Massimiano Jr. about assembling cleanup crews from the Berkshire County House of Corrections. These supervised community service crews will help from time to time with the removal of debris. Additionally, several sportsmen's clubs, including the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen, have offered to support the Common Ground Initiative. Members from these groups will continue their efforts of assisting in park cleanups.
Fifth, apparently the higher costs of solid waste disposal have led some to use our state lands as private dumping grounds. I will work with state officials and local waste disposal facilities to establish so-called "Amnesty Days." On these days during the year, residents would be able to use a local or regional disposal facility for no charge, thereby discouraging the dumping of waste materials on state land. Likewise, I will encourage local officials to work with residents in identifying waste solutions for their particular communities.
I hope that you will support the goals of the Common Ground Initiative in your community. Please feel free to contact me if you would like more information.
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