As a result of increased enforcement measures in Armstrong and Indiana counties supported by Keep PA Beautiful, there were two citations issued recently.

On April 3, Thomas Jay Buchner of Lutheran Church Road in Spring Church, Armstrong County, was cited for scattering rubbish upon land and stream within Armstrong County. Buchner plead guilty, was ordered to clean up the dumped trash, pay for proper disposal, and was fined $241.

The other incident occurred in Indiana County. The perpetrator was a juvenile.

Through Keep PA Beautiful’s Illegal Dump Surveillance Support Program, cameras are being rotated throughout Armstrong and Indiana counties to help capture evidence at active, illegal dumpsites.

“The challenges are many when it comes to enforcement of laws against illegal dumping, and much of it comes down to limited resources.” explains Shannon Reiter, President of Keep PA Beautiful. “Our goal was to find an economical way for local authorities to capture photographic evidence efficiently.”

The motion activated, covert security camera package provides instant wireless transmission of site activity, photo documentation of license plates at speeds up to 50 MPH, and clear photos of activity, day or night.

So far, the program has been instrumental in the prosecution and conviction of individuals from Allegheny, Armstrong, Elk, and Indiana counties. 

“Surveillance cameras and strengthened enforcement partnerships will make it difficult to anonymously dump and escape prosecution,” said Reiter.

Funding for surveillance support in the Kiski-Conemaugh basin was provided to Keep PA Beautiful by a regional nonprofit.

For camera information, visit KPB’s Enforcement webpage. 

5/5/2014