Council orders review of Copacot ordinance and pushes for more cameras and stiffer enforcement on illegal dumping

Residents, parks staff and environmental officers told the committee that illegal dumping in the Copacot Reservoir and other watershed areas has escalated, with reports of mattresses, tires, boats and construction debris left in sensitive locations. Sarah Riley and Katie Wyant described repeated cleanups and showed photos; Parks Director Darren Maderas and DPW staff said crews spend significant time removing dumped material.

Joseph Kennedy of DCM Compliance reported multiple citations and noted that many cases lack evidence linking the debris to a responsible party. Deputy Chief Hoare and Attorney Ramsey explained enforcement constraints: the city’s standard civil fine is $300 for littering, while a 2010 ordinance for parts of the Copacot reserve references criminal fines up to $5,000 — fines that are criminal and handled by state processes. They said a tiered approach (by cubic feet or load size), broader authority to issue fines, additional cameras and DA cooperation would improve enforcement and restitution collection.

Committee members suggested expanding the existing Copacot ordinance (section 26-42) to cover additional watershed areas such as Cook Pond and North Watapa, improving signage, deploying more cameras (including National Grid cooperation), and examining options to pursue restitution or license suspensions for convicted dumpers. The administration confirmed procurement of six new cameras and said some National Grid lights/cameras are being integrated. The committee voted to refer section 26-42 to Corporation Counsel for review and scheduled an ordinance committee meeting in two months to assess progress on fines, cameras and enforcement.