Ormstown officials sound alarm over illegal dumping

Ormstown officials say trucks carrying construction waste from Montreal are dumping it illegally on private land.

Officials in Ormstown say trucks carrying construction waste from Montreal are dumping it illegally on private land — and some landowners are being paid off.

“We’re seeing the trucks coming through now more and more,” said Ormstown Mayor Christine McAleer.

The agriculture town is one of five of the most effected municipalities in the Montérégie facing this issue.

A recent report by researchers at McGill University and the University of Vermont shows nearly 300 possible illegal dumping sites in the area.

“The number was shocking to us, even though we knew there was a big problem,” said researcher Geoff Garver.

Fifty-five of those spots are in Ormstown.

Town officials are worried that possible contamination from these sites will affect the water system.

“We have to have our water well tested right now to make sure that the products are not seeping through the soil and then contaminating the wells themselves,” McAleer said, adding that it was another cost for the city.

It’s not clear exactly which companies are involved, but Ormstown inspector Luc Pilon said the problem is growing.

He noted that when he goes to inspect these sites, he’s faced with another issue: intimidation.

“I’ve been pushed. I’ve had my phone thrown out of my hand,” recounted Pilon.

And in some cases, inspectors need the help of police. Pilon said at this point he’s just tired.

“It’s a constant struggle,” he said.

According to Ormstown officials, the province is not doing enough to help, and the town does not have the resources to deal with the issue.

CTV News reached out to the Quebec Environment minister but his office was closed on Sunday.