Farmington New Hampshire Police Department

  The Farmington Police Department and Farmington Conservation Commission have been working together to crack down on littering and illegal dumping in the town’s conservation areas. This week the police department issued warrants for three people alleging that they discarded their trash in the woods:

• Nicholas Goodwin. Age: 27 of 255 Main Street, Rochester, NH
• Dylan Chapman. Age 19 of 11 Prospect Street, Farmington, NH
• Robert James. Age 44 of 16 Depot Pond Rd, Milton, NH

Several of the offenders that have been caught to date reported that they were trying save money by avoiding the dump fee, however it may end up costing them a lot more in fines and restitution.

Under New Hampshire’s Litter Control Law, RSA 163-B, it is unlawful to dispose of trash on any public or private land or waterway unless it is placed in a “litter receptacle” or you have permission from the property owner. Littering is a Class B Misdemeanor and carries a maximum fine of $1200.00. On top of levying fines, the court can order people convicted under the statute to help clean up litter in the areas that they dumped.

In Farmington, the Conservation Commission oversees a numbers of parcels including three properties where illegal dumping has been a problem- the French and Dubois Easements on River Rd and the Town Forest on Bay Rd. These three properties provide free access to over 300 acres of woodlands where the public can observe the natural wildlife as well as enjoy a variety of recreational activities like hunting, fishing, hiking, and cross country skiing. Snowmobiles are welcome on the River Road trails, however NO motorized wheeled vehicles are allowed on any conservation land.

The Police Department and the Conservation Commission will continue to vigilantly monitor the problem areas and prosecute anyone that chooses to dump their trash in our forests and streams. We encourage anyone with trash to dispose of it properly. Information on where to legally dispose of trash in Farmington can be found on the town’s website:

http://www.farmington.nh.us/Public_Documents/FarmingtonNH_Highways/FARMINGTON%20TRANSFER%20STATION%20Flyer%20March%202012.pdf