Scavengers warned off dump

Ken Johnston
Editor

Hunting for a treasure at the dump could get you very sick.
As people dumped furniture and other items from their basements in wake of the sewers backing up in to them last Tuesday, many others travelled to local landfill sites in search of treasures they could take home.
However that find might have more than just material value to the finder. It may contain bacteria that could make people very sick.
“They were thrown out for a reason,” said Brian Norris, public health inspector with the Northwestern Health Unit yesterday.
Norris said that there are a number of concerns involving this situation. The first being that the items were floating or soaked in sewage for a number of hours. They were then placed in the unsanitary landfill site.
“Unless the item can be thoroughly cleaned, disinfected and then dried, I wouldn’t recommend taking the item home,” said Norris. He noted that while the bacteria potential in sewage is high there is also the problem of being sure they are dry before being taken back in doors as mold could become a health hazard.
Norris noted that most landfills have a “No removal” policy in place. Town officials said that people are prohibited from removing items from their dump.
He did say there may be items that can be salvaged, but he did not strongly recommend it. Anyone with an item they are trying to save, he recommends they call the health unit for advice at 852-3268.
He also said that ripping out the walls and insulation in a finished basement that was flooded with sewage is important. It is also very important to dry them out properly before rebuilding as mold could grow and cause health problems.
The Town of Rainy River this week warned people not remove items from the dump out of concerns for health safety if its citizens.