Tamaqua police and borough officials are looking for the person or persons who recently dumped a large amount of construction debris and old tires at the future location of the Dutch Hill Playground.

In the past week the materials were dumped just below the St. John's Lutheran Cemetery, and next to the Tamaqua Little League Field.The area, which formerly was the location of the old Tamaqua radio station, was recently cleared out to make way for the new playground, which is being pursued through members of the Eastern Schuylkill Recreation Committee, Tamaqua borough and others.Tamaqua Fire Chief and Dutch Hill resident Tom Hartz Jr., who routinely takes walks with his dog past the area, noticed the dumping a few days ago.The culprits had to use large trucks to dump the debris, since deep tire tracks in the soft soil could be seen leading to the dump site.The littered debris is comprised of "almost new" cinder blocks, unused construction materials, some fiberglass insulation and an old light-blue railing from a porch or indoor/outdoor stairway.Penalties for littering include up to three months in jail, and up to $300 in fines and court costs.Police and borough officials encourage anyone with information about the illegal dumping to call (570) 668-5000 or contact a borough official if you want to remain anonymous.