State transportation officials are asking for help to curb a growing problem: illegal dumping of hazardous waste along Highway 101. On Monday, crews removed 19 barrels of toxic material from an embankment just south of Leggett, near the Empire Rest Area.
Danny Figueiredo, a hazardous materials manager, said the barrels were found only ten feet from a steep drop-off into a creek with fresh running water.
If the barrels had fallen it would have been "disastrous" for the living beings who depend on that water, he said.
The string of incidents began in November with illegal dumping occurring twice in Hopland, then, again last month in Laytonville near the Shamrock Ranch, and most recently south of Leggett.
Figueiredo said the hazardous material appears to have originated in the Bay Area, possibly from an old construction or roof insulation company in Livermore.
If anyone has information or has seen any suspicious activity regarding the dumping of barrels of commercial hazardous waste along U.S. 101 in Mendocino County, please contact CHP at 707-932-6100.
