Taking names and kicking trash

By WILLIAM L. SPENCE

The Daily Inter Lake

When it comes to highway litter, Flathead County is done talking trash.

Beginning in the next few months, the county could start handing out $200 fines to people who drive to the landfill with garbage falling out of their trucks.

The action stems from the recent epidemic of roadside trash.

Since last spring, the landfill board has heard numerous complaints about the amount of garbage along local highways. After years of trying to deal with the issue with $5 fines, it's decided more drastic measures are needed.

Sometime in November, the landfill will install a $5,600 camera system near its main entrance. When anyone with an unsecured load of garbage drives up, the high-tech equipment will take photographs of the driver, their license plates and their loads.

The photos will be sent to the Flathead County Sheriff's Office so law-enforcement officials can determine whether misdemeanor charges are warranted.

"Our hope is that if we can charge a couple of people with $200 fines and prove [the misdemeanor] with the camera system, then the word will get out and that will be enough," said Deputy County Attorney Jonathan Smith, in a meeting Tuesday with the commissioners.

Landfill director Dave Prunty said the fines and camera system are directed at the flagrant abusers who drive around with trash spilling out of their trucks.

"If you have a couple of trash bags in the back of your truck, to me that's a secured load," Prunty said. "The people we're after are the ones trying to haul too much because they only want to make one trip, so they have stuff flying off onto the highway."

When the new camera system is in place, the landfill will spend a month on education, handing out fliers and letting people know about the new policy. After that, someone with a gun and a badge will deal with the problem.

"We've tried the $5 fines and that hasn't worked," Prunty said. "Now we have a way to get the Sheriff's Office involved."