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Illegal dumping causes stink

There has been an increase in illegal dumping of toxic and hazardous waste in Great Southern national parks, but the public is helping to catch the culprits.

The Department of Environment and Conservation recently removed cement and building rubble in Torndirrup and Gull Rock national parks.

It is also in the process of cleaning up asbestos dumped in Hassell National Park east of Albany.

Asbestos had also been discarded on the road and roadside near Mt Barker.

DEC regional investigations leader Nathan Hallett said the rise in illegal dumpings was a concern.

“Illegal dumping is a growing problem and it will not be tolerated,” he said.

“When people deliberately dump waste in bush or near roads, not only are flora and fauna impacted but it can also affect people’s health.”

Mr Hallett said removing the waste was becoming a costly exercise.

“It’s actually quite a job to clean it up and that impacts on the rate payers,” he said.

“Our natural environment is there for everyone to enjoy, not for people to use as their personal rubbish dump.”

Mr Hallett said information from the public had already led to people being caught for unlawfully disposing of waste.

Individuals or corporations found guilty of the offence of unlawful dumping of waste face maximum fines of $62,500 and $125,000 respectively.

People with information about illegal dumping can report it to DEC or Albany Police.