Nova Scotia

Illegal dumping seen in area near New Waterford water supply

Illegal dumping is a growing problem in Cape Breton, according to a local ATV club that’s been observing garbage big and small left in the woods near a New Waterford water supply.

Burned-out cars, electronics, waste oil and piles of trash seen in the area of Kilkenny Lake

A burned-out car blocks a trail near Kilkenny Lake. Illegal dumping like this has becoming a growing problem in the area, says a local ATV club. (Gary Mansfield/CBC)

Illegal dumping is a growing problem in Cape Breton, according to a local ATV club that's seen garbage in the woods near a New Waterford water supply. 

"It's not good for the environment," said Dan Fraser, the president of the Isle Royale ATV Club.

Some of the club's riders have seen burned-out cars, electronics, waste oil and piles of trash in the area of Kilkenny Lake.

"It's the wrong thing for people to be doing. We are in a watershed area and that complicates when you've got garbage that has oil or anything else in it," he said.

Some of the garbage even blocks trails used by the ATV drivers. 

"It's discouraging people don't realize how much goes into trail development," said member Jeff MacNeil. "It's just a poor human activity to do." 

Piles of trash are seen in the woods near the New Waterford water supply in this 2017 file photo. A CBRM resident is facing two charges under the municipality's new illegal dumping bylaw. (Gary Mansfield/CBC)

Illegal dumping can also be costly to landowners. 

"The landowners become responsible for getting rid of their garbage that someone dumped and it's so terribly unreasonable," Fraser said. 

If convicted of illegal dumping, fines can range up to $10,000 or one year in jail. 

Anyone with information on illegal dumping can call the solid waste hotline (902-567-1337) or the police.