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By Kris Smith
Several areas of Navarro County have endured decades of illegal dumping on its county roads, and none of the precincts are immune.
Precinct One Commissioner Jason Grant stated, “We are vigorously pursuing the matter of illegal dumping that is plaguing Precinct 1. We will file charges to the fullest extent of the law if we catch you.”
While county employees do their best to repair the roads in the county, picking up tires, mattresses, etc. are keeping them stretched very thin. Grant continued, “We get behind pretty easy with downed equipment, supply chain issues, and stopping to pick up trash from the rampant dumping.”
Navarro County Commissioner Precinct 2 Eddie Perry stated, “One of our concerned citizens in Precinct 2 was able to document a recent incident. We have a license plate and plan to contact the party soon.” This incident yielded a mattress, household items, and tires.
Our law enforcement is unfortunately stretched thin. There is just not enough manpower to watch every county road. NCSO Sheriff Tanner said, “Unfortunately we do not have the manpower to be everywhere all the time to prevent the worst of crimes let alone to stop those individuals who are duping on county roads, off bridges, and almost in someone’s front or back yard.” Sheriff Elmer Tanner continued, “As many times before I have said, unfortunately there are people who simply do not care. They don’t respect their own property let alone what belongs to others, to this county or State, and that it (illegal dumping) is against the law.”
If more people reported the dumping events, law enforcement could begin to hold the persons responsible for the crimes. In 2022, according to reports from NCSO Communications, there were 71 calls for service for illegal dumping, only one of which resulted in an actual arrest.
If you, as a property owner or even as simple as a passing by, see something; say something! Call 903-654-3001 to report all illegal dumping events.
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