The city of Yonkers is offering a reward of up to $1,000 to find out who illegally dumped tons of garbage at Chicken Island.

According to city officials, about 20,000 pounds of trash was found in the municipal parking lot known as Chicken Island yesterday morning.

City officials say they believe the debris was dumped over the Christmas holiday weekend, and now the Yonkers Police Department is expected to begin a joint investigation with the Department of Environmental Control to find those responsible. Yonkers Mayor Spano says they have significant leads.

Illegal dumping has been a problem in Yonkers. Two years ago, city officials decided it was time to crack down on violators. The City Council passed a new law that in part raised the fines for dumping from a $500 minimum to $5,000 for each violation, and as much as $250,000 for severe cases. The law also allows the city to impound vehicles used in illegal dumping.

A hotline was also set up for people to report illegal dumping. Investigators are hoping they will get some tips in the case.