Seattle wants to curb illegal dumping with cameras - The Seattle Times

Seattle wants to curb illegal dumping with cameras | The Seattle Times

As part of a pilot program, the city of Seattle introduced its first camera to monitor illegal dumping on a road in West Seattle last week.

The camera was installed in the 7100 block of Detroit Avenue Southwest, an industrial area of the neighborhood that has become an illegal dumping hot spot, said Lee Momon, Seattle Public Utilities’ Clean City Division director.

The city has found over 5,000 tires left there, a boat, vehicles and appliances from a kitchen demolition, Momon said. There are a few other hot spots in the city, he noted, but the city decided to try the pilot in West Seattle because of the huge number of tires.

The camera was activated on March 3. It turns on when it detects motion and plays a message telling people they are being monitored for illegal dumping.

Public Utilities workers will review the footage every three days and attempt to track down anyone caught illegally dumping based off their license plate, Momon said. The technology does not use facial imaging recognition, and images captured of people who are not illegally dumping will be redacted or deleted, he said.

Marc Sherman is the vice president of human resources and risk management at the nearby Pacific Plumbing Supply Company. He said he is encouraged by the pilot, but he’s skeptical whether Public Utilities can catch illegal dumpers using cameras.

“I think the positive side of it is that a voice comes on when somebody is lurking in the area,” Sherman said. “I think that’s more effective in preventing something from actually happening than it is going to be to catch somebody after the fact.”

The plumbing company’s back entrance is on Detroit Avenue. Sherman said he frequently sees trash on the property and hanging from trees. Once, employees heard gunshots behind the building.

The company submitted several reports to the city, and crews have cleaned up the garbage upon the company’s request, he said.

If someone is caught dumping, Momon said Public Utilities will inform them of the violation and reach a resolution, which could include cleaning fees or community service. Depending on the type of material dumped or how hazardous it is, the violator could be charged for cleanup, pay restitution or be given educational material.

The camera will be online up to a year, Momon said. If it reduces how much trash is left, Public Utilities will install a camera elsewhere. The city’s goal, he said, is to have at least one in every council district.

“Success means that there is less illegal dumping, and we are keeping Seattle clean and healthy,” Momon said.

Garbage can be dropped off at the city’s North Transfer Station in Fremont at 1350 N. 34th St., or the South Transfer Station in South Park at 130 South Kenyon St.