As the snow melts and the spring thaw breathes new life into the South Cariboo region, 108 Mile Ranch residents are welcoming the changing season with open arms. But with the beauty of spring comes an unfortunate and growing problem: illegal garbage dumping. In particular, the 108 Mile Ranch area, a picturesque and historically significant part of the South Cariboo, has become a hotspot for irresponsible waste disposal that threatens both the environment and the community’s quality of life.
Every spring, as residents of the South Cariboo emerge from their winter hibernation, they are confronted with a stark and disappointing reality—garbage left behind by people who either don't want to make the effort of proper disposal or simply don't care about the environment. Piles of discarded household items, furniture, old tires, construction debris, and even hazardous waste have been found scattered along roadsides, hidden in ditches, and dumped near parks and recreational areas in and around the 108 Mile Ranch.
While the region has a solid network of transfer stations and landfill facilities, the process of hauling large items or bulky loads to these locations is apparently inconvenient for some. This has led some individuals to take the easy—and illegal—route of dumping their unwanted items in remote, less-visited areas.
Local authorities and residents have seen an uptick in these activities during the spring months when the thawing of snow uncovers the litter that’s been buried over the winter. While the bulk of the garbage seems to be household waste, more troubling items, such as electronics and appliances have been found, posing risks to both wildlife and human health.
Illegal garbage dumping in the 108 Mile Ranch area is not just an eyesore, but it’s also a danger to the environment. The garbage that is left behind can cause long-term damage to the ecosystem. Waste left in the open can attract wildlife, which often leads to animals ingesting harmful materials. For instance, discarded food wrappers, plastics, and chemicals pose a serious threat to local wildlife, such as bears, deer, moose, and birds. Even more concerning, certain types of waste, such as motor oil or pesticides, can seep into the groundwater, affecting the quality of drinking water for both residents and animals.
Cleaning up these messes is costly and time-consuming. The 108 Mile Ranch area relies on volunteers and local government initiatives to address waste problems. These efforts, while admirable, often fall short due to limited budgets and manpower. As a result, much of the cleanup is left to residents who are already stretched thin with their own responsibilities.
A 108 Ranch resident (name withheld on request), having found waste littering the gas pipeline green belt, took it upon themselves to clean it up, but as the photos they took show, it was not a small job, nor an easy one. This is but one of many sites found in and around 108 Mile after the snow has melted away.
I am sure the CRD and 108 Mile Ranch Community Association are more than willing to combat illegal dumping and provincial Conservation services are known to patrol known hotspots. The penalties for those caught dumping illegally can be hefty fines and criminal charges and not to promote any vigilante justice, but penalties will be far greater if you are caught by a local rancher.
But first, before the obligatory horsewhipping can occur, they need to be caught. If a 108 Ranch resident finds any illegal dumping, look for tell-tale signs of who may be to blame, things like a mailing address, distinct labels or even tire tracks. Then take lots of pictures and finally, report it to the local conservation office as soon as possible.
The 108 Ranch can ensure that future generations enjoy the same pristine landscapes that many now hold dear, without coming across a rusted-out fridge, dead roofing shingles or dirty diapers. Ultimately, it is up to those of us in the 108 Mile Ranch area to take pride in our surroundings and act as guardians of the ranch and the surrounding environment. Illegal garbage dumping is a crime against the community itself.
As spring unfolds, let’s hope that a renewed sense of responsibility will take root, allowing the beauty of the region to thrive without the blight of careless waste (which is the polite way of saying ‘don’t be an ass, take your crap to the dump, not the bush’).
