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Date: 6/15/2018
WEST SPRINGFIELD– A mountain of trash illegally dumped at Bear Hole Reservoir has sparked a conversation among local officials and residents alike about protecting the watershed.
On June 8, Facebook user Arianna Albano posted a photo into the “West Springfield, MA” forum, an open forum designed to connect residents, that featured a large pile of trash on Four Corners at the end of Morgan Road and Prospect Avenue.
The pile consisted of couch parts, a mattress, chairs, boxes and other household furniture.
One user wrote, “This is disgusting I can’t even,” while another commented, “Wow…what is wrong with people?”
The next morning, Mayor William Reichelt filmed a Facebook Live video from the scene, condemning the act.
“This is not a dumping ground, this is Bear Hole,” he said in the video. “This is our recreation area, I know it’s easy to get in and out but all of this stuff can be disposed of in proper ways.”
The mayor told Reminder Publications that the trash has since been cleaned, and an investigation is underway.
Illegal dumping at the watershed has been a prominent problem in the past, Reichelt explained, but the town had recently taken steps to slow it down – such as installing trail cameras and incorporating bike patrols. Although the cameras got stolen, this is the first big illegal dump of the year, he said.
Not only is this type of dumping harmful for the environment, Reichelt continued, but it is also time consuming for the members of the Department of Public Works.
“It is bad for the environment. Depending on what is dumped in there, it could be a problem for people rummaging through and we don’t want kids going through it – it’s trash and belongs in the trash,” he said. “And then the DPW guys have to be pulled away from whatever job it is they were doing to go cleanup.”
The mayor said he plans to work with the town to discuss new ways of preventing illegal dumping.
Currently, there is a local fine of $300 in place for dumping in the watershed and a $5,000 state fine.
If West Springfield residents have old furniture or trash to get rid of, Reichelt said the K&W Transfer Station is available at 138 Palmer Ave. The station’s hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. throughout the year.
If you notice someone dumping trash at Bear Hole, contact the West Springfield Police Department at 263-3210 or the Mayor’s Office at 263-3041.