(PUEBLO COUNTY, Colo.) — Pueblo County Public Works and the Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment (PDPHE) cleaned up a bridge in northern Pueblo County that has become a nuisance spot for illegal dumping.

The cleanup took place on Wednesday, Oct. 29, under the Piñon Bridge over Fountain Creek that connects Overton Road to I-25. Crews said because of its relatively remote and unlit location, the area has become a persistent hotspot for illegal dumping, which is a violation of a Pueblo County ordinance prohibiting the disposal of any refuse, garbage, litter, or discarded items in public areas, stormwater systems, or waterways.

County leaders say if you are caught dumping illegally, you will face consequences.

“If we can catch you and… pin it on you, we will take you through the court system, because that seems to be the only leverage that we really have to stop this type of activity,” said Steve Bauguess, Stormwater Coordinator with Pueblo County Public Works.

Perpetrators could face fines of up to $10,000 dollars per day for each violation. Public Works said the cleanup will require 30 to 40 man-hours to collect, haul, and properly dispose of the refuse and debris.