FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 26, 2005) - A network news story Friday night on littering and illegal dumping will use video clips from a highly successful Kentucky waste management program. The story will air on the ABC News 20/20 program using video recorded by hidden cameras at active illegal dumpsites in the state.

The Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet (EPPC), which includes the former Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Cabinet, was contacted by producers of the story who had heard about the success of the surveillance cameras. The program will use video from Kentucky and a few other states that have similar programs.

"Hidden cameras installed at dumpsites have continued to prove to be a major deterrent to illegal dumping, although our cameras are still catching some in the act," said LaJuana S. Wilcher, secretary of the EPPC. "Illegal dumping in Kentucky has declined by 74 percent since 1997 through a combination of hidden cameras, enforcement activities and public awareness. Illegal dumping directly affects not only the environment, but our ability to attract businesses and tourists to the state."

Since 1997 the cabinet has investigated more than 7,500 dumpsites in the state and more than 6,300 Notices of Violation have been issued to those persons found responsible for illegally disposing of their trash. Typical enforcement action includes an order to pick up four tons of trash and dispose of the waste at a proper site and a requirement for the individual to sign up for garbage collection service.

As a result of the state's efforts more than 65,000 tons of trash has been cleaned up from dumpsites across the Commonwealth.