Yellowknife (Oct 31/03) - Public safety at the dump is still an issue at City Hall -- one they are prepared to do something about.

Katherine Silcock, the city's environmental co-ordinator, said work is underway which will address the concerns the city has with people salvaging at the city dump.

The dump is well-known as a local hang-out of sorts for treasure hunters.

But the number of salvagers has grown into both a liability and a public safety concern for the city, Silcock said.

"Hopefully, within a month we will be presenting to the public a plan," she said.

This plan will ultimately require the approval of city council.

"There will be legal aspects to it," she explained.

As a result, changes to the way the public salvages are inevitable, she said.

"We are trying to make things accessible to as many people as we can. But it won't be the same as it is now."

Bruce Underhay, the dump's baling facility sub foreman, said winter hours are now in effect for those who don't mind the temperature.

"It's not of any benefit to us to have it open later," Underhay said.

Closing at 5 p.m. allows the dump to maintain a full crew when most needed, he noted.