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Assembly discusses repeated illegal dumping at Dark Lake site; staff to pursue relocation, fencing and fee-based cleanup
Summary
Assembly members described a growing illegal-dumping problem at the Dark Lake dumpster site, discussed enforcement and infrastructure options and directed staff to pursue contractor cleanup, explore moving the dumpsters, fencing options, enforcement and a possible rate-funded cleanup contract with Alaska Waste.
Kodiak Island Borough assembly members devoted a portion of the Sept. 25 work session to the longstanding illegal-dumping problem at the Dark Lake dumpster pad, where borough staff and residents said dumped waste has grown into a large, recurring nuisance.
Assembly members described repeated cleanup costs and attempts at signage and surveillance. Borough staff reported cameras previously placed at the site were stolen and that staffing limits and a shortage of maintenance workers make continuous on-site enforcement impractical. The manager said a contractor will perform a cleanup over the coming weekend and that staff plans to pursue relocation or reconfiguration of the dumpsters to more visible sites if the community cannot correct the behavior.
Options discussed included moving dumpsters to the Bayside Fire area (which has road access and visibility), constructing a fence and gated access, issuing progressive fines for illegal dumping, increasing enforcement activity, and implementing a small rate-based fee spread among waste customers to pay for periodic contractor cleanup. The manager said a prior arrangement with Alaska Waste included an annual charge spread across ratepayers to cover cleanup costs and staff will revisit that approach.
Assembly members suggested camera-based evidence collection and modern license-plate recognition systems as longer-term enforcement options; staff noted cameras have been stolen at the Dark Lake site and recommended moving dumpsters to a location with more visibility. The assembly discussed possibly increasing fines for dumping but noted current fines escalate (for example, an initial penalty followed by higher progressive amounts) and staff said enforcement is limited by available personnel.
The manager said staff will return with cost estimates and implementation options, including a proposal to move the dumpsters and add fencing or to reinstate a rate-funded contract with Alaska Waste for periodic cleanups. Several assembly members urged prompt action to reduce ongoing costs to the landfill fund and to nearby residents.
