Illegal dumping issues continued to plaque the tribal natural resources department throughout year as Marlene McDanal, the Tribal Solid Hazardous Waste Specialist II has cleaned up several illegal dumps located throughout the reservation. Illegal dumping also known as open dumps is a problem and a major health concern for the reservation.

McDanal stated that the problems create “an increase in materials in the waste stream of illegal dumping/open dumps makes illegal/open dumps dangerous to human health and the environment.”

Concerns of illegal/open dumps include: attracting children and pets, children can be hurt by sharp objects, come into contact with toxic materials and/or contagious pathogens. Open dumps also attract insects, rats, bears, birds, and raccoons which can attack and/or spread disease. Open dumps can degrade the land within our reservation; by destroying fish & wildlife habitat, threaten cultural lands, and demean natural resources such as recreational facilities.

“Please keep our precious children, environment, and cultural lands safe and healthy. If you witness Illegal dumping activity please notify the police or call me at 675-2700 extension 7215” McDanal said.