Illegal Dump Site Target Of Community Cleanup
A lot on Dyer Street in Northeast El Paso may be considered vacant, since there are no buildings constructed on it. But it is far from empty. Illegal dumpers have turned the desert landscape of that lot near the city limits into an eyesore. Stacks of old tires, ripped mattresses and construction material are strewn across the ground.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has tried pursuing criminal charges against those who litter in this lot, which is now surrounded by residential development, to no avail. The TCEQ is turning to the community surrounding the lot, hoping they’ll help return this to its original landscape.
“Even though you hear a lot of ‘I didn’t dump it, why should I clean it up,’ people’s attitudes about it, but this is about cleaning up everything that affects El Paso and affects our community here,” said Pam Aguirre of the TCEQ.
The illegal dump site is indeed affecting nearby residents. Trash left in the lot is carried by strong spring breezes into their yards on a daily basis.
The TCEQ has joined with Eco-Wise El Paso and Keep El Paso Beautiful in organizing the Northeast Community Clean Up event on that lot on Saturday. The lot is located at 11600 Dyer. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and the cleanup runs from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Equipment necessary for the project as well as pizza and sodas afterward will all be provided.
Call Pam Aguirre at 834-4974 for more information.
