Indian Time - A Voice from the Eastern Door

In an effort to stop illegal tire dumping on Tuscarora Nation territory, the state DEC, the EPA, and the Tuscarora Nation have joined forces.

“For many years, illegal dumping activities have been a burden on the Tuscarora Nation, but now we have the support of EPA and DEC to address this issue with businesses and individuals outside our nation,” said Rene Rickard-Printup, environment director of the Haudenosaunee Environmental Task Force for the Tuscarora Nation. “Businesses and individuals need to know that, while the Tuscarora Nation is a sovereign, the nation can and will authorize DEC to take legal action against illegal dumping on the nation territory.”

The action was taken to stop this illegal practice as a result of documented recurrences of tires and other waste being deposited illegally on Tuscarora Nation land. Using obstacles to prevent illegal dumping, signs to deter illegal dumping, and cameras to record unlawful dumping, according to Rickard-Printup, the EPA will financially assist efforts to reduce the quantity of roadside dumping.

According to Lisa F. Garcia, regional administrator for the EPA, “Illegal tire dumping is a violation of the law and the threat to public health.” Garcia continued, “Together, EPA, DEC and the Tuscarora Nation will increase enforcement on these sovereign lands to the fullest extent of the law and educate the public on the importance of proper tire disposal, safeguarding public health and the environment.”

“Illegal tire dumping is hazardous to the environment because waste tires can leach toxins into land and water, theater public health by creating breeding grounds to mosquitoes and other pests, and are aesthetically displeasing,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos.

Increased enforcement of illegal tire dumping by DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officers is one aspect of this nation-federal-state partnership. Another is a public outreach and education campaign directed at waste tire generators to emphasize the significance of properly disposing of waste tires and reporting improper dumping.