Harrisburg and Dauphin County officials announce Pete Baltimore (far right) as the new environmental enforcement officer for Harrisburg.
Harrisburg and Dauphin County are stepping up their battle against illegal dumping in the city, devoting greater resources and enforcement to the effort.
At a press conference on Tuesday, Mayor Wanda Williams and the Dauphin County commissioners announced a joint effort to address the issue through a new city-focused environmental enforcement officer.
“Illegal dumping ruins the quality of life for our law-abiding citizens,” Williams said.
Pete Baltimore, a Harrisburg native, has been hired for the new role. Previously, he served as the environmental enforcement officer county-wide. In his new, full-time position, he will devote his time solely to Harrisburg. Baltimore was also formerly a corporal in the Pennsylvania State Police, with an emphasis on forensic investigations.
The new officer will work to deter illegal dumping and catch those breaking the law by issuing warnings and citations, testifying in court, working with the Harrisburg Police Bureau and doing surveillance. He will also visit dump sites and disposal facilities around the county and help with concerns from private haulers, businesses and residents.
Baltimore’s position is funded half by Harrisburg and half by Dauphin County. The county commissioners are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding at their Nov. 2 meeting, designating the terms of Baltimore’s position. Also in November, the county will seek to hire a new county environmental enforcement officer.
“We could choose to ignore, or we could choose to take action,” said commission Chair Mike Pries. “We chose to take action. You’ve had enough, we’ve had enough.”
According to the city’s director of public works, Dave West, the new officer will help his crews continue to battle illegal dumping. Additionally, the city recently installed 12 surveillance cameras at illegal dumping hot spots around Harrisburg and plans to soon install another dozen.
But catching people dumping illegally also requires help from residents, West explained. That’s why he encourages residents to submit tips when they see illegal dumping activity, which can be done anonymously. To report suspicious activity, call 717-982-6772.
According to county District Attorney Fran Chardo, the penalty for illegal dumping can vary greatly depending on the case. However, he made it clear those who break the law will be punished.
“They are crimes and we are going to address them as criminal acts,” he said.
While Baltimore said that, based on his experience in forensic experience, the investigations can take time, he pledged that the city and county “will get to the bottom of it.”
“Whoever is responsible, we are going to come after them,” he said.
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