OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – Thousands of drivers pass by a big mess in southwest Omaha every day, but no one discovered it until recently.
The mess is growing behind the closed Toys “R” Us store, and city inspectors aren’t messing around.
Clean up notices have been sent to two property owners, Toys “R” Us corporate and Union Pacific. Both are unknowing victims of illegal dumping.
The green space near the railroad tracks is littered with dark gray rubber. Dozens of old tires are piled up or thrown around.
A homeless camp is set up close by.
Union Pacific stated, “We do our best to maintain up property in 23 states and it’s unfortunate to see someone illegally dumping tires by the railroad tracks.”
“I’m extremely shocked that all that stuff is back here,” Kieth Boetel said.
He manages Champion Home Exteriors, a business neighbor that shares the back delivery drive that is about a hundred yards from the dumping.
“It is extremely disappointing. There’s a lot of places around the city where you can dispose of all those things, and I understand there’s a cost to doing that, but that’s the correct way to do it,” Boetel said.
Union Pacific urges people passing by to report trespasses. Few people have reason to drive behind the closed store. Those who do are likely illegally dumping.
The disconnected trash compactor behind the building is so full that junk has been tossed around it. There are piles of carpet, mattresses, televisions and a lot of other things nobody wants.
“We’re going to add cameras to the back,” Boetel said.
The cameras will help identify suspicious vehicles driving behind the long building and maybe catch those who are leaving their garbage behind.
Toys “R” Us has not answered an inquiry.
There is no word from Union Pacific on when its property will be cleaned up.
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