NATCHEZ — Adams County’s newest employee would rather prevent littering and dumping in the area, but he said fines up to $1,000 will help reinforce those measures.

Environmental officer Paul Allen Brooks said he wants to focus on educating the public on how to properly dispose of waste as part of his new position.

Brooks started March 1 after the Adams County Board of Supervisors voted to create the position.

“I want to keep people from illegally dumping garbage into bayous and other places,” Brooks said. “Litter is just as much of a problem as dumping.”

Brooks said he thinks it is important to keep Natchez clean for tourists, citizens and potential industrial prospects.

Violators who improperly dispose of waste can expect to pay fines ranging from $50 to $1,000, Brooks said.

However, Brooks plans on making proper disposal sites known so the citations can be prevented.

“(County barn dumpsites on) Foster Mound Road and Upper Kingston Road are where people need to bring their household garbage, as well as leaves and limbs,” Brooks said. “There is always the option of Triad and Waste Management Services, too.”

Not only will Brooks patrol the dumpsites, he will also spearhead a recycling campaign to prevent littering on the major roads.

“I have a certification class in Jackson in two weeks,” Brooks said. “After I return, I will begin to implement some of the techniques I learn as well as begin issuing citations.”

County Administrator Joe Murray said he thinks Brooks will be a great asset to the county.

“I think Allen will educate the community on littering, and will finally hold people accountable for these sites,” Murray said. “He will be very beneficial because we will now have someone to devote their time to litter control for the county.”

Proper places to dispose of waste include the county barn’s dumpsite on Foster Mound Road, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Saturday.

The Upper Kingston Road site is also from noon to 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday and from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday. This site is strictly for household garbage.

Brooks said disposing of waste anywhere other than these sites is considered illegal.

For more information on correct dumpsites, contact Brooks at 601-597-5317.