Investigation underway on complaints of possible illegal dumping

12/05/2013

The Mohawk Council of Kahnaw�: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 Kahnaw�: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.