The Churchill County Planning Department has organized a workshop to address illegal dumping through the creation of a non-profit organization at the county commission chambers tonight at 6:30 p.m.

Several community businesses have agreed to attend the meeting along with the county, representatives from Bureau of Land Management and Bureau Of Reclamation, said Pam Moore, county business license administrator and workshop organizer.

"The formation of a non-profit entity will ensure the momentum of our dedicated volunteers moves to the next level," said Moore. "Without people like Jack and Andrée Gill, Jeannie Nalls and Nikki Reynolds, we would never be to this point."

Illegal dumping wasn't addressed in the county until approximately three years ago, when members of the community got involved with cleanup efforts, said Rick Whimple, county code enforcement officer.

"Well over 100 tons have been removed from the desert," he said.

He said along with prosecution, the county is requesting that in addition to fines levied for illegal dumping, that the offender be required to perform 10 to 20 hours cleaning up trash on public lands.

The cleanup of illegal dumping takes a lot of time, resources and money to stay on top of it. The purpose for the workshop is to begin processes to organize a non-profit organization to handle cleanup efforts.

"Getting a non-profit organization is the key to reducing the problem," said Moore. "Although once an organization is established, the county will be there to assist them."

Non-profit organizations are able to apply for grants that government entities cannot, said Whimple. Companies donating equipment or material to combat the problem can get tax breaks through donations to a non-profit organization they cannot get from a government agency.

"We've had really good success with the program," said Whimple. "Now we need to take the next step and get a non-profit organization."

He said once an organization is established, it can run itself and the area of focus can expand.

"Can we stop illegal dumping? No," said Whimple. "But with a good program we can curtail it."

Whimple said the group's expansion to a non-profit would open many doors.

For more information or to become involved, call Moore at the planning department at 423-7627.

The workshop will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the County Administration Building, 155 N. Taylor St., in the commission chambers.