PENDER COUNTY, N.C. -- During this time of Florence recovery, county officials say people are dumping debris illegally, hindering the clean up process.

• Officials said there are valid reports from witnesses saying commercial contracting companies are dumping debris on the side of the road.
• Emergency Manager Tom Collins said he estimates it taking about $20 million to clean all the Florence debris.
• Good practice is for residents to ask contractors for a landfill receipt to ensure debris is dumped in the right place.

Pender County Sheriff Alan Cutler said there are valid reports from witnesses saying commercial contracting companies are dumping debris on the side of the road. Residents are hiring contractors to gut their destroyed homes, and instead of disposing of the debris properly in a landfill, they dump it roadside.

"It hinders clean up efforts," said Cutler. "It most certainly does, and... it's costing the taxpayers of Pender County a lot more than need be."

Emergency Manager Tom Collins said he estimates it taking about $20 million to clean all the Florence debris, and if contractors keep dumping illegally, that just means more money.

Cutler said a commercial entity littering, in any amount, is a felony.

"We will be investigating that and pursuing it to the fullest extent, at this point, because it has become a very serious problem for Pender County," said Cutler.

Good practice is for residents to ask contractors for a landfill receipt to ensure debris is dumped in the right place.

If anyone witnesses this happening, call 910-259-1212 with the license plate number, company name, and picture if possible.