Truck stuck in mud after dumping hundreds of tires in Fairmount Park
UPDATE: Truck stuck in mud after dumping hundreds of tires in Fairmount Park
A UHaul truck became stuck in the mud after officials say it was used to illegally dump hundreds of tires in Fairmount Park on Monday.
PHILADELPHIA - Investigators are searching for the renters of a U-Haul box truck that became stuck in the mud and abandoned after illegally dumping hundreds of tires in Philadelphia's Fairmount Park on Monday.
What we know:
The truck was left stranded right next to the massive pile of tires near the Centennial Arboretum, creating what officials describe as the city's largest illegal dumping incident of the summer.
Daniel Lidon, an illegal dumping ambassador for the city, expressed frustration over the ongoing issue and noted that the perpetrators may be connected to a previous cleanup site at Belmont Plateau. Lidon stated that this latest incident represents a significant escalation, as the site was targeted twice.
Truck gets stuck in mud after illegally dumping 'hundreds of tires' in Fairmount Park
Investigators are searching for the renters of a UHaul box truck they say was left struck in the mud after illegally dumping mounds of tires in Fairmount Park.
Despite the high-profile incident, Parks and Recreation Commissioner Susan Slawson reported that the city's overall anti-dumping initiatives are yielding results; district incidents have decreased from 45 at this time last year to 31 this year.
Slawson said that the city is partnering with the Streets and Sanitation Department to install lights and surveillance cameras in problem areas, though this specific location in Fairmount Park had not yet been updated.
What's next:
The Philadelphia Police Department's Major Crimes and Neighborhood Nuisance Task Force has launched an investigation to identify the truck's driver and owner.
Slawson added that the city intends to enforce strict penalties, which include a $5,000 fine per illegally dumped tire, asserting that those responsible will be held accountable.
City officials continue to urge residents to report illegal dumping by calling 311 and to utilize the city's disposal voucher program to offset the costs of legal waste removal.
The Source: Information provided by the City of Philadelphia and FOX 29 reporting.