Environment Division Removes Old Tires
Sep 20, 2012
The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s Environment Division is pleased to let the Akwesasne community know that they were finally able to move the pile of waste tires on Frogtown Road. The work was completed on Tuesday September 11, 2012.
Removal of the tire pile is important because the tires fill with water and harbor mosquitoes which can carry Eastern Equine Encephalitis and West Nile Virus. These viruses infect both people and animals and can be fatal. This tire pile was a blight caused by improper disposal of used tires. Unfortunately, the origin of many of these tires came from within the territory, possibly from garages. The pile also grew over the summer with people adding to it, thinking it was acceptable to dispose of them that way. Anonymous reports given to the Environment office were that racers were seen dumping their used tires in the pile. The pile did include a number of used racing tires in it. The project is costing the Environment Division thousands of dollars and unfortunately this is the second time this has happened. Dumps like this pose a danger the health of the community. The costliness of such a cleanup takes funding away from other benefits that our community otherwise would receive in services through Tribal programs.
Thanks to the Grants and Contracts Department for getting the contract in place so Lazore’s Construction could do the work. Thanks also to Russell Phillips who is on scene with equipment to move tires hidden in the bushes to load them into the trucks. Russell is also there to ensure work is completed.
For more information contact David T. Staddon, Director of Public Information at 518-358-2272 ex. 286.