Wisconsin Sheriff Urges Cleanup After Illegal Construction Waste Dump

GENOA, Wis. – The Vernon County Sheriff’s Office is calling out an act of illegal dumping after construction debris was discovered along Podawitz Road near the Bad Axe River in Genoa early Monday morning.

Deputies say the discarded materials, which appeared to include leftover pieces from a construction or renovation project, were left on the roadside in clear violation of state dumping laws. The Sheriff’s Office took to social media at 8:51 a.m. to both share images of the scene and issue a direct warning to the person responsible.

“Whoever left this waste needs to return to the location immediately and clean it up before deputies arrive,” the post stated. “We will post photos once the deputy arrives at the scene.”

The Sheriff’s Office’s public message served as both a community alert and a deterrent to others who might consider similar actions. Under Wisconsin law, penalties for illegal dumping vary based on the severity of the offense and the number of prior violations. Fines can be imposed in increments, with repeat offenders facing steeper consequences.

Illegal dumping not only violates environmental regulations but also poses safety hazards, damages public spaces, and can contaminate nearby waterways like the Bad Axe River. Local officials stress that there are designated waste disposal sites and recycling centers available for construction and demolition debris, and that residents and contractors are expected to use them.

The Sheriff’s Office did not confirm whether any suspects had been identified but noted that no follow-up updates had been posted as of this report.

Community members are encouraged to report any suspicious activity or information about the incident to local authorities. Environmental groups in the area also took the opportunity to remind residents that improperly discarded construction materials—such as treated wood, drywall, and insulation—can release harmful substances into the environment if left exposed.

The incident underscores a recurring challenge faced by rural law enforcement agencies, where illegal dumping sites are often found along less-traveled roads and near water sources. The Vernon County Sheriff’s Office says it remains committed to pursuing violators and protecting local natural resources.

Originally reported by Adam Rosen in Yahoo News.