Louisville Metro Council members are praising Metro Police for impounding a dump truck allegedly involved in illegal dumping in the Fairdale neighborhood.According to council staff, police received a complaint on Wednesday of shingles and roofing materials being illegally dropped off on Manslick Road.Officers arrived at the scene and found a truck belonging to Elkins & Sons of Louisville that was later impounded."I applaud the quick work of the officer who answered this call about illegal dumping," Councilwoman Marianne Butler, D-15, said in a news release. "I am also glad to see the public is getting involved in stopping people who believe they can use our streets, alleys, vacant fields and roadways as their own personal dumping ground."Last year, city lawmakers strengthened an ordinance to empower law enforcement to seize vehicles caught illegally dumping.The council also added funding to the budget for 19 new cameras targeting problem areas where there have been repeated cases of trash and other junk items being dropped off improperlyThe amended ordinance allows vehicles to be confiscated for up to a year and violators face a fine up to $5,000. Prior to releasing any vehicle that has been impounded, the vehicle owner will also have to pay any outstanding citations and fees such as towing, handling and storage.The roofing company, for example, would have to pay the $112 towing fee charged by police, a $13 administrative cost and a daily $13 charge for storage."If you are dumping illegally, you will be caught and it will cost you." says Public Works Director Vanessa Burns. "I applaud the teamwork between Public Works, LMPD and the Metro Council to crack down on this activity, which puts such a blight on our community. This type of action shows we, along with our citizens, won't stand for it."
