Illegal Roadside Cleanout and Dumping
Res #: 22-22M
Number: 22
Year: 2022
Midterm: Yes
Expired: No
Responses Received: Yes
Departments: Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment
WHEREAS trucks hauling commodities are stopping to cleanout/dump along roadways which can cause the spread of weed seeds and commodity seeds.
WHEREAS the spread of weed seeds and commodity seeds develop into undesired growth in fields and ditches.
WHEREAS trucks hauling fertilizer that are cleaned out on roadways can cause contamination of the waterways.
WHEREAS wildlife is being killed along roadways where cleanout/dumping of grain has occurs due to them stopping to eat the seeds.
BE IT RESOLVED that SARM lobby the Provincial Government to promote education to the haulers of commodities on roadways regarding the illegal dumping offences, associated laws and how enforcement is being carried out.
Responses From: Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment
February 17, 2023
Truckers with hopper bottom trailers occasionally travel rough roads after dumping to loosen granular material from the trailers, such as grain or fertilizer. Truckers then stop and open the bottom doors to release the material.
The Weed Control Act provides rural weed inspectors the authority to prohibit, via an order, the movement of any material or machine that may be contaminated with prohibited or noxious weeds. It is an offence under the act to deposit prohibited or noxious weeds where they might grow or spread. Offences are punishable with fines up to $5,000. Since dumping typically happens on vacant or grid roads, it can be difficult to police.
Trailer vibrators are available in either mountable or handheld form and assist by vibrating the trailer to dislodge material in the truck and facilitate cleanout. The rural municipality could work with the elevator it believes is the source of the problem to explore the use of a vibrator. Another strategy implemented by other municipalities is to create a cleanout area on a vacant piece of land where these vehicles can dump material. These areas can be monitored for the emergence of problem weeds.
The Honourable Dana Skoropad – Minister of Environment, Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment