Main Drive (in the unincorporated area of Okaloosa County, north of Airport Road,) has become an illegal public dump site and a problem for landowners and residents alike, with about 350 tons dumped on vacant lots.

Emerald Waste Services (EWS) proposed a plan to donate services and clean up Main Drive in Okaloosa County, and presented the plan at the Board of County Commissioners meeting held in December.

Additionally, Waste Management has agreed to waive tipping fees for dumping the waste collected at the site.

“This has become an overwhelming problem, and EWS and Waste Management’s donated services provides a solution at no cost to taxpayers,” stated Commission Chairman Bill Roberts.

“Additionally, we will be working with EWS, the Sheriff’s office and our code enforcement officers to prevent illegal dumping after the cleanup,” he added.

The plan presented at the Okaloosa County Commission meeting can be accessed from the home page at www.okaloosafl.com.

“EWS wants to do its part as a local company operating in Okaloosa County by providing our equipment, labor and ‘know how’ to clean up the garbage. We are proud to partner with the county and its residents to create a comprehensive plan that includes clean up and prevention,” Patrick O’Neil, EWS, vice president operations.

For more information, contact Okaloosa County Public Works, 689-5772 or call the 311 Citizens Information Line.