A Lehigh Acres recycling business whose property is home to a mountain of old tires (a quarter of million tires) has racked up more than $5,000 in combined fines from Lee County and the state Department of Environmental Protection.
And neighbors say the pile has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. West Coast Tire Recycling is located just off Leonard Boulevard and Lee Street.
It’s just unreal, said Marcia McClellan. When the tires started coming, at first I didn’t think it was a big deal. But then the tires kept coming and kept coming. By last summer, the mosquitos in our shop were so bad, because the tires hold water.
The mountain of tires now completely blocks access to an entry gate, leaving some to wonder what would occur in an emergency.
What if a fire were to occur, said Aldo Ibarra of All About Cars. If you’ve ever seen rubber tires go up in flames, it’s toxic.
West Coast’s owner said the problems began when the business purchased a faulty tire shredder from China. But while the problem is admittedly embarrassing, she said the collection of old tires must continue to keep the operation afloat.
The state DEP said the company has 90 days to pay its fine.