Ministry: ‘Illegal Dumping Of Raw Sewage’

February 16, 2017

An “unscrupulous offender is regularly dumping large volumes of raw sewage in a public green space at the eastern end of the island” and “raw sewage may have been dumped overboard at a public dock,” the Ministry of Public Works said, prompting them to remind the public that the pollution of land is considered an offence.

Saying that “raw sewage creates a serious threat to human and animal health,” the Ministry appealed to anyone who might have information on the identity of the offender to contact the Water and Sewage Section at 278-0570 or Water@gov.bm.

The Ministry said, “The Water and Sewage Section of the Ministry of Public Works wishes to remind the public that the pollution of land is considered an offence under the Waste and Litter Control Act 1987 and its amendments.

“Similarly, the pollution of or fouling of public water [groundwater, ponds and seawater] is considered an offence under the Water Resources Act 1975.

“This reminder comes after the Ministry recently discovered that an unscrupulous offender is regularly dumping large volumes of raw sewage in a public green space at the eastern end of the island. This polluted site is in the process of being remediated and sanitized.

“The Ministry is also aware of an incident where raw sewage may have been dumped overboard at a public dock from a sanitation hauling truck.

“Anyone who might have information on the identity of the offender committing the aforementioned dumping is encouraged to contact the Water and Sewage Section at 278-0570 or Water@gov.bm.

“Raw sewage creates a serious threat to human and animal health, particularly to those who might jog, cycle or play in the affected area.

“The Ministry of Public Works has had and continues to have stakeholder meetings with all Sanitation Hauling companies that use its Septage Receiving Facility at Tynes Bay.

“These companies and their employees are familiar with the Ministry’s policies and procedures for sewage disposal as well as legislation covering this activity.

“As industry professionals, it is expected that these companies know and understand the significant health risks associated with the mishandling and illegal dumping of raw sewage.

“Polluters that commit an offence under Section 34 of the Water Resources Act 1975 are subject to prosecution. A summary conviction carries a $10,000 fine, plus $1,000 per day for as long as the offence continues.

“Polluters that commit an offence under Section 3 of the Waste and Litter Control Act 1987 are also subject to prosecution. A summary conviction carries a $10,000 fine, with subsequent offences carrying a fine of up to $25,000.

“The Ministry of Public Works, the Ministry Health and Seniors, as well as The Ministry of Environment believe it is in the public interest to inform the community of this activity and thanks the public for their attention to this issue.”

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Comments (28)

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  1. Why Thou?? says:

    What nasty two-legged being would do such a thing to such a naturally beautiful island? What is really wrong with people today? This vexes me to no end! Find them and fine them extensively. This kind of act is detrimental on so many levels.

    • Onion Juice says:

      It feels like de same S!@# this Government is dumping on us.

      • Pooh Bear says:

        You’re only jealous – now you’re not the only one spreading their s@&t all over the place.
        Don’t worry, you’ve still way out front on this site.

      • Truth says:

        Give it a rest, a$$-hat.

      • Earth watch police says:

        I heard they emptied the sewage tanks at Alaska hall .

  2. sonso says:

    Once they find out who the fool with the sanitation truck was, Public works should dump the sewage in the backyard of the jacka$$ !

    And isn’t here only 3 or 4 companies other than gov’t who pump out sewage? Should be pretty easy to figure out who it was.

    • smh says:

      And revoke their license to put them out of businesss permanently! Name and shame

      • Triangle Drifter says:

        BINGO! That would also send a very clear message to any others thinking of doing the same thing.

    • Islander says:

      They don’t want to pay dumping fees. Court Order – make them stand on Palmetto Road to the sewage dumping station with a sign “I dumped the sewage illegally”.

  3. Paul Reviere says:

    Don’t assume its a commercial vehicle, as its not stated how much raw sewage was found.
    Not that it makes it any different from the actual act itself.
    We are so quick to pen something without knowing all the facts.

    • sue dumps says:

      Looks like we found the culprit guys….Paul Reviere!

      • Bermy says:

        It says large volumes of raw sewage, def not Johnny stoping by in his Daihatsu charade for a cheeky deuce in the trees

        • David says:

          Good one, made me LOL!!

          • Paul Revere says:

            Yup, it was me. Trying to assist Agent Orange get rid of some of his tanning juice. We figured it would blend in with the OBA gin n juice you all drinking.

    • Sandy says:

      It’s quoted, “large dumping of raw sewage”, Paul Reviere! I am not judging here but are you suggesting a private person is going to hire a dump truck to haul buckets of raw sewage? To me as quote, “large” is more then a regular car driver doing the dumping. As quoted, “large” mean to me yes a commercial trucker. BUT you are right, we shouldn’t asume unless we all have the facts. Mmmm….interesting. ..

  4. ella says:

    to the unscrupulous offender – you are a dirty b s t r d!!!

  5. swing voter says:

    kinda dumb to make it a headline instead of setting up surveillance cameras….what PS level these bies on anyway

  6. San George says:

    Get use to it mate – due to high cost of doing business in Bermuda. I don’t agree with it, but when waste drop-off opens at its convenience because gov’t has reduced funding, when dumping fees are raised, it gives incentive to violators. Provide a reward for reporting dumpers instead of gov’t posting threats to fine violators.

    • Islander says:

      Don’t encourage the ignorance by offering a reward or other. Wrong is Wrong.

  7. property owner says:

    Ya why cameras were not put up catch the person or person’s I bet they know but use this method not to really do their work sounds crazy.

  8. Family Man says:

    Pretty $#!tty thing to do.

  9. Justice says:

    I recently witnessed a concrete truck dumping access concrete from his truck on the road adjacent to Warwick Esso station

  10. James R says:

    Anyone who has had their pit / system serviced recently should contact the authorities and let them know.

  11. nabba jabba ding dong baby daddy... ahem... Dr. says:

    I concur!