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Monterey County expands camera pilot and enforcement to curb illegal dumping
Summary
Monterey County staff said a camera surveillance pilot begun in 2024 has identified dumpers on Lapis Road and the county will rotate four additional cameras among hotspots; Environmental Health also highlighted vouchers and upcoming Earth Day cleanups.
Monterey County officials on Wednesday updated the public on an expanding camera surveillance pilot and enforcement work aimed at reducing illegal roadside dumping.
Maria Ferdin, introduced by the briefing host as a representative of Environmental Health, said the county installed two cameras on Lapis Road in September 2024 and added four more in February 2025 that can be rotated among known dumping hotspots. "We've identified at least 4 illegal dumpers as a result and have issued citations," Ferdin said, adding that camera images and local community observers have helped county investigators and the district attorney's office identify responsible parties.
Ferdin said environmental-health investigations based on citizen complaints have produced additional enforcement: "We have actually issued 3 additional citations independent of the cameras," she said, and the department issues warning letters when identification is insufficient for a citation. She described the camera footage as "supportive evidence" that helps link items to responsible parties.
The briefing also described a voucher program for victims of illegal dumping: property owners who report dumping can request a voucher from Environmental Health to haul material to a landfill or transfer station at no charge. Ferdin said the voucher program is "underutilized" and county staff are working to improve outreach to populations that may not be receiving the information.
Ferdin noted Monterey County was recognized as a Clean California community under a Caltrans initiative after meeting many of the program's criteria; the briefing referenced a county press release and presentation slides for details (the year of the designation was not specified clearly during the briefing). She said the county will continue rotating cameras through hotspots in coming months and is coordinating community cleanup events around Earth Day, including a cleanup at Carr Lake.
The moderator closed by encouraging residents to use the county's free disposal options and to request vouchers for organized cleanups. The briefing did not announce any new ordinances, fines beyond cited instances, or formal board actions.
