Another Illegal Dumping at Sowams Woods

The entrance to the Sowams Woods conservation area off South Lake Drive continues to be a target of illegal dumping. 

Barrington police received a report from a Walnut Road resident last Tuesday, Dec. 10, that a pile of construction debris had been dumped.

The debris includes wall paneling, drywall, and broken-up cabinets that appears to have come from a kitchen makeover.

Helen Tjader of the Barrington Land Conservation Trust, which owns Sowams Woods, said that spot went for years without seeing illegal dumping. But that spot on the lightly used road seems to have become a prime spot to dump debris. 

Someone dumped coastal debris there several months ago, she said. 

In the past, Tjader said, she or other members of the Land Trust have had to fill bags with the debris so it could be trucked away by the public works department. 

The Land Trust has planned a winter solstice event to celebrate the 7th anniversary of the preservation of Sowams Woods on Saturday that will start at the spot of the debris.

“It could become a teaching moment,” said Tjader, who doesn’t expect to be able to bag the debris in time for it to be trucked away.

Barrington Police Chief John LaCross said the illegal dumping violates a town ordinance. The person who dumped the debris faces a stiff fine if they can be brought to Municipal Court.

LaCross also said that anyone who observes illegal dumping or has any information about this incident should call the confidential police tip line: 437-3933.