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DEAN'S LIST - 4/20/2008
(by Dean Naddeo - OpEd Columnist - April 20, 2008)
Talking trash
Sadly, various forms of litter and garbage have found refuge amongst the majestic mountain views and pristine waters of the region. For an area that relies heavily on its natural beauty as its main attraction, both the origins and the persistence of this roadside rubbish must be called to question.
To most local inhabitants, the notion of someone randomly discarding trash onto the side of the road is inconceivable. Yet, such atrocious behavior would seem to explain the vast majority of the waste that habitually line area roadways.
Fast food boxes, empty beer cans, and household refuse appears to make up most of the junk, but an occasional auto part or piece of construction material is not uncommon.
To the first-time traveler of a roadway like Route 511 or Skyline Drive, the panoramic view he or she encounters must be truly perplexing – here lays virtually unspoiled natural surroundings with a dab of random debris tossed in.
Ultimately, this problem could be immediately and permanently rectified if the polluters themselves simply ceased their destructive activity. However, in lieu of any voluntary compliance, there are state and local laws in place that are designed to deter littering offenses and to punish those who do.
And although it is understood that it is nearly impossible for law enforcement to catch the polluters in action, all efforts should be made to prosecute those offenders who do get caught to the absolute extent of the law. Convictions should be highly publicized, in hopes of spreading the word that such behavior will not be tolerated.
Regardless of its origin, the rubbish needs to be regularly removed in order to keep the region looking its best. This responsibility falls on a variety of agencies, including the state, county and local municipalities who contractually maintain the roads. Much of the cleanup is accomplished by the employment of state and county correctional detainees, a noble and thrifty concept. The problem is that the trash is building up faster than the chain-gangs can remove it, so we need to encourage more frequent work details or persuade the respective road departments to supplement the maintenance efforts.
Private landowners are equally responsible for the routine upkeep of their properties, and most do so voluntarily. Nearly all local jurisdictions have ordinances in place to ensure compliance, and these ordinances need to be thoroughly enforced, particularly if the unkempt property is a blemish to the community.
Hopefully, the people responsible for the litter and for the cleanup will get the message, and the region can continue to enjoy its well-deserved reputation as a remarkable and beautiful place to live and visit.
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