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The Problem
The Polly Drummond Road Yard Waste Site is in “disgraceful condition” given the proliferation of unsightly trash bags that have piled up in a site where they don’t belong, Pike Creek resident Robert Riley said.
Residents are supposed to dump yard waste and take the bags back home with them, per state regulations.
But Riley also wants to know if the state is going to investigate the out-of-state residents and commercial businesses using the site.
“This site is for Delaware residents only and certainly no out of state people,” he said.
What They’re Saying
“There is no supervision at the site and people dump bags of garbage,” Riley said. "Just ride by on a hot day. Close your windows; the smell is sickening.”
Riley is right in that the site is only for Delaware residents, and not for out-of-state people and commercial businesses, said Shannon Splittorf, environmental program manager for the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.
“We recognize there is a problem,” Splittorf said. “Unfortunately, it’s very convenient for folks from Maryland and Pennsylvania to come to that site. We do have cameras posted at that facility and the department has an Environmental Crimes Unit monitors those cameras.”
What’s Next
DNREC will investigate if a citizen were to take down the license plate of someone they suspect should not be there, Splittorf said. But, limited resources preclude using manpower to monitor the site.
“When somebody dumps material that isn’t permitted, we coordinate with the DSWA to come to the site and collect the trash and take it up to Cherry Island Landfill,” she said. Violators face a $500 fine. But if it’s yard waste in bags, DNREC scientists in Dover or staff in the northern office roll up their sleeves to rip open and dispose of the bags, she said. Only then can the contractor, Zeager Brothers, turn that yard waste into free mulch, Splittorf said.
For questions or concerns, contact the Solid and Hazardous Waste Management Section at (302) 739-9403 and ask for Deb Nielsen or Splittorf.
The Problem
The Polly Drummond Road Yard Waste Site is in “disgraceful condition” given the proliferation of unsightly trash bags that have piled up in a site where they don’t belong, Pike Creek resident Robert Riley said.
Residents are supposed to dump yard waste and take the bags back home with them, per state regulations.
But Riley also wants to know if the state is going to investigate the out-of-state residents and commercial businesses using the site.
“This site is for Delaware residents only and certainly no out of state people,” he said.
What They’re Saying
“There is no supervision at the site and people dump bags of garbage,” Riley said. "Just ride by on a hot day. Close your windows; the smell is sickening.”
Riley is right in that the site is only for Delaware residents, and not for out-of-state people and commercial businesses, said Shannon Splittorf, environmental program manager for the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.
“We recognize there is a problem,” Splittorf said. “Unfortunately, it’s very convenient for folks from Maryland and Pennsylvania to come to that site. We do have cameras posted at that facility and the department has an Environmental Crimes Unit monitors those cameras.”
What’s Next
DNREC will investigate if a citizen were to take down the license plate of someone they suspect should not be there, Splittorf said. But, limited resources preclude using manpower to monitor the site.
“When somebody dumps material that isn’t permitted, we coordinate with the DSWA to come to the site and collect the trash and take it up to Cherry Island Landfill,” she said. Violators face a $500 fine. But if it’s yard waste in bags, DNREC scientists in Dover or staff in the northern office roll up their sleeves to rip open and dispose of the bags, she said. Only then can the contractor, Zeager Brothers, turn that yard waste into free mulch, Splittorf said.
For questions or concerns, contact the Solid and Hazardous Waste Management Section at (302) 739-9403 and ask for Deb Nielsen or Splittorf.
