DRONES FOR ILLEGAL DUMPING

Korec ground survey UAV.

DRONES FOR ILLEGAL DUMPING.

     Since "flow control" was enacted by the county legislature in September, 2017, allegations of illegal dumping by haulers and individuals have increased. Reports were received by the New York State D. E. C. and other responsible agencies. Cortland County subsequently amended the law in September, 2018 and the alleged illegal dumping by haulers ceased.

     However, many county residents facing higher costs to get rid of garbage continue to violate the law. Reports of illegal dumping along county roads and waterways are opening eyes and ringing alarm bells.

     In one instance in the City of Cortland an old garage was used to store garbage over the winter and rats were reported by neighbors. Town roads in Truxton, Lapeer and Freetown were littered in 2018 with open bags of garbage—no identification found. Garbage has been found in the Tioughnioga River, smaller waterways and ponds. The Department of Environmental Conservation is investigating.

     A county committee is looking into the problem and several suggestions have been made. Some are improbable, others appear to be practical. At least two legislators have proposed the use of unmanned drones to police county roads and frequented illegal dumping areas.

     A proposal, to establish within the sheriff’s department an agency for the operation and maintenance of drones, has been advanced in committee and other legislators see practicality in it.

     The Cortland Standard reported on July 28, 2018: "Cortland County Sheriff Mark Helms said the Legislature has talked with him about the sheriff’s office policing flow control. It’s a task he hopes doesn’t trickle down to his office. He said, 'It is a really hard thing to police in the first place.'"

     Drones equipped with night vision could be used for surveillance both night and day, and would be helpful for traffic control. Drones can read license plates and see other features from the sky. The cost, as usual, was not discussed by legislators but they were told that grant money and other taxpayer funds were available from the state. F. A. A. permission will be required for the proposal to move forward.

     Cortland County's drone agency would occupy a new building at the county airport and function 24 hours/day.

     Drone names are chosen for historical significance by date. The sheriff most likely will provide a name for the first drone launched. With reference to this post and other works of fiction, “April Fool’s Day” seems appropriate.