Conservation officers successful with hidden cams

The conservation officer service busted illegal dumpers twice last year using similar hidden camera technology recently acquired by the regional district.

In both cases, conservation officer Steve Wasylik said the service opted to make the offenders clean up the site. It also issued a ticket. Tickets for a first offence range from $115 to $545.

"We've been successful with them. We've also had success getting reports from people."

Wasylik estimated the conservation officer service charged more than six people with illegal dumping offences in the past year through witness reports, camera identification or by combing through household garbage.

"If we can identify people we'll have them clean it up and that allows us discretion with a ticket.... Embarrassing is a good word for it."

Conservation officers have the option of issuing a ticket to offenders or bringing them to court through provincial environmental laws.

Thompson-Nicola Regional District purchased four cameras this year in a bid to catch illegal dumpers. Environmental services technologist Adriana Mailloux said the regional district has noticed an increase in illegal dumping this year, at the same time the City of Kamloops increased its tipping fees from $25 to $60 a tonne.

Wasylik said typical dumping locations include Lac Du Bois and Inks Lake.