Birmingham Tackles Illegal Dumping Near Airport
Birmingham, Alabama, is facing a significant challenge regarding illegal dumping, particularly in areas near the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport. This issue has recently made headlines due to a tragic incident on October 29, where two individuals were found burned to death in the vicinity of the airport. Local authorities are now intensifying their efforts to combat this severe problem.
Cleanup Efforts and Concerns
The Birmingham Airport Authority (BAA) has emphasized that illegal dumping is a crime, and while it has been an ongoing issue for years, they are taking actionable steps to address it. Their contractor, TIG Contractors, has been dedicated to cleaning up the area since 2022. In the last year alone, they have successfully removed over 2.8 million pounds of trash.
James Densmore, the Founder and President of TIG Contractors, shared insights about the scale of the problem. “We are here every day on the airport property, so we are actually hauling out debris four to five times a week, and that’s multiple truck loads,” he mentioned. The disposal of heavy items such as construction debris requires specialized equipment, including grapple trucks and dump trailers.
Continuous Cycle of Dumping
Despite the frequent cleanups, Densmore explained the ongoing challenges faced by his team. “The minute we leave with a load of trash to haul off, there’s already more trash being dumped in the area,” he noted. This continuous cycle is frustrating for those involved in the cleanup, as it often feels like a never-ending battle with waste.
Restrictions on Cleanup Areas
The BAA has made it clear that their responsibility only extends to airport property and does not include surrounding community or city streets. “People assume that all the property in this area is owned by the airport, but a lot of times it’s not,” Densmore pointed out. The authority uses specific maps to determine property ownership and coordinates with the appropriate parties for cleanup.
The Financial Impact of Cleanup
In light of these challenges, the BAA spends nearly $700,000 annually on ongoing cleanup efforts. Their commitment to maintaining a clean environment has seen them frequently interacting with community members who are tired of witnessing the illegal dumping.
In a statement, the Birmingham Airport Authority acknowledged the frustration of local residents. “We understand the frustration felt by the neighbors. This is where they live. We continually work with them to try and mitigate the problem as best we can and keep them updated on our efforts,” they stated.
A Community Effort
The community’s cooperation is essential for a more significant impact on the illegal dumping problem. Addressing this issue will require collaboration among residents, local government, and the airport authority. Residents are encouraged to report illegal dumping incidents immediately to help combat this environmental concern.
As Birmingham continues to work towards a cleaner environment, it is crucial for everyone to take part in this initiative. Both the airport authority and contractors like TIG Contractors remain dedicated to restoring the area, but they cannot do it alone. Community vigilance and reporting can make a notable difference in the fight against illegal dumping.
