The Boothbay Harbor Police Department is looking for the person or persons who illegally dumped a large volume of roofing waste at three locations in the area. A local property owner is offering a reward. 

Last Thursday, Oct. 27, Matt Smith, co-owner of High Ledge Subdivision, found a truckload of shingles and other roofing waste on his undeveloped property at High Ledge Subdivision. He reported the dumping to Boothbay Harbor police and offered a $500 reward to anyone who could identify the culprit. Smith said if the guilty party comes forward voluntarily and cleans up the site, he will not press charges.

“We have a $1,000-plus problem on our hands. We are optimistic the police will be able to run this down but if not, our offer is still good,” Smith said Monday.

Over the weekend, police identified two smaller, similar dump sites in Boothbay and an individual, who may or may not have been involved, was stopped leaving one of the sites. Boothbay Harbor Police Chief Bob Hasch said police are following several leads in the case.

“We believe this is all the same person. While some may diminish the significance of this, this behavior is wrong on a lot of levels. It’s expensive for the property owner to clean up and it poisons their land,” Hasch said. Hasch said since roofing contractors usually bill the owner for disposal, this case may include financial deception, as well.

Both Smith and Hasch said local roofing contractors have contacted them and been helpful in the investigation.

“They are even more upset than I am,” Smith said. “Someone has been stealing their business and also giving them a black eye. The worst part of any business is when someone else cuts corners and it reflects back on others.”

 Anyone who has information in this case or is aware of other similar dump sites is encouraged to contact Boothbay Harbor Police Department at 207-633-5616.