Grain haulers are being asked to stop dumping grain on the roadside, especially along Highway 5 between Valemount and Avola.
A black bear recently had to be put down by Conservation Officers as it got used to grain piles in the area.
Cpl. Mike Halskov says the grain piles can attract wildlife which could increase the number of vehicle collisions.
“This corridor for some reason seems to be the only that’s been brought to my attention. It has been going on for a while, I know other officers I’ve spoken with are aware of this issue,” he said.
“It’s definitely an unusual type of circumstance, but it is illegal and it is harmful to the environment. We’d like it to stop.”
Halskov adds officers believe the issue might be grain haulers trying to lose weight before they reach weigh scales in Kamloops.
Drivers who are caught could face numerous fines and penalties from Conservation Officers, Commercial Vehicle Safety Officers, and the Ministry of Environment.
“As far as the Motor Vehicle Act goes, what police can actually issue in this particular case it’s called Introduced Business Waste which carries a fine of $598,” Halskov added.
“We’re not exempt from enforcing other legislation too, any laws under the Ministry of Environment or the Commercial Vehicle and Safety Branch as well.”
Police say cleaning up the grain piles lead to considerable costs, money which could be better spent on highway improvements in the area.
Contractors are also at risk of a wildlife encounter during the clean-up phase, with bears posing the biggest threat to their safety, especially if the bears are hungry and habituated.
Anyone with information regarding illegal grain dumping is asked to report it to one of the following agencies: