ATVs causing issues

Mike Burkholder

ST. MARYS — City officials say they plan to monitor activity at the former landfill as a result of a recent spike in ATV traffic at the location. St. Marys Safety-Service Director Tom Hitchcock told members of the Solid Waste Committee Monday night Ohio EPA officials encouraged the city to step up its efforts to prevent residents from driving ATVs at the former landfill. Hitchcock said the vehicles are damaging the landfill’s cap and causing erosion.

“We didn’t have any violations but they did express some concern about it,” Hitchcock said.

“They are starting to ride on the hill and we need to stop this. It’s causing ruts and killing the vegetation.”

Hitchcock told The Evening Leader the city must maintain a certain thickness on the cap of the landfill. If the thickness is breached, Hitchcock said the EPA could levy fines.

“That can get expensive,” Hitchcock said. “They are critical about the erosion on the hill.”
Unlike past incidents, Hitchcock said officials have yet to track down the riders responsible for the damage. Hitchcock estimated the cost to cap the landfill at $1 million — illustrating the amount of monetary loss at stake.

“We may try cameras,” Hitchcock said. “We want to protect it and people need to know they cannot damage our hill. I don’t think they understand the damage they are doing.”

Hitchcock said the Auglaize County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for patrolling the area around the former landfill. However Hitchcock said additional law enforcement presence could be present if deemed necessary.

“Maybe we need our guys to patrol it,” Hitchcock said. “If anyone knows who is doing it, please let us know.”

Source: http://www.theeveningleader.com/content/view/125082/1/

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