Collier Asks Citizens to Help Stop Dumping

, which already has a statewide reputation as prime dumping grounds, is asking for the public’s help to catch chronic dumpers.

discussed ways to combat the problem during their Wednesday night voting meeting, but found few ways of stopping the problem without help from the community.

“It’s not something that’s only happened lately,” township Manager Sal Sirabella said. “It’s been happening for a while.”

Board President Bob Schuler asked if they could position portable surveillance cameras in chronic dumping areas. But Sirabella said the maintenance on those could be troublesome and preferred to rely on “good old fashioned surveillance.”

Township police Chief Thomas Devin said officers have stepped up patrols to monitor areas, but the “odds of us coming by and seeing someone dumping is slim.” Instead, he hopes people driving by problem areas will contact authorities with car descriptions and license plate information if they see illegal dumping.

. A resident contacted Sirabella and told him that Collier is mentioned three times on a state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources survey that lists the worst dumping sites in Pennsylvania.

The township had three prominent dump sites that made a survey dating back to 2005. Baldwin Road, County Road and three locations on Scotts Run Road were some of the biggest offenders in the area.

Also during the meeting…

• The public is invited to Collier Township’s comprehensive plan update meeting on Jan. 19 at 7 p.m. The meeting is at the township municipal building and refreshments will be provided.

• The township has received a $42,600 state DCNR grant for Webb Park to build a pavilion, lay down rubber mulch and paint street markings leading to the Panhandle Trail. Skavarka Park will receive a $43,600 grant to construct a pavilion, install rubber mulch and build a half-court basketball area.

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