Investigation underway on complaints of possible illegal dumping

12/05/2013

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke is informing the community that an investigation is underway regarding a large amount of refuse, including large plastic barrels, that have been found on private property in the Lot 109 area of ‘South Texas.’

The lot in question is unoccupied but is close to a populated area.

As there is the possibility of contamination to the soil and ground water, the Kahnawà:ke Environment Protection Office (KEPO) has begun a process that includes meeting with the land owner, contacting the various environmental agencies and informing the local agencies that deal with these situations.

“The Peacekeepers have opened a file on this matter,” said Lands Portfolio Chief Clinton Phillips. “Everyone who has seen the affected area is disgusted. There is a very real possibility of contamination and we are concerned for the health of the people in the neighborhood.”

“There is absolutely no doubt that there will have to be a clean-up,” he continued. “But before that happens we have to know exactly what we’re dealing with. We’re making sure that we focus our efforts on taking care of this problem as quickly and efficiently as possible.”

KEPO staff is carrying out soil testing this week and is assuring the community that it is being extremely diligent in this matter.