HARTFORD, Conn. -- Hazardous materials, including asbestos, were found dumped near a Hartford school Wednesday, according to police.

Emergency Department of Environmental Protection crews responded to the area behind Bulkeley High School after receiving a report of illegal dumping.

Officials said they discovered 12 bags of asbestos that appeared to be from a commercial property and gallons of used car oil.

Channel 3 Eyewitness News reporter Diana Rocco reported that Hazmat crews spent the entire afternoon sorting through dangerous materials that were dumped on the side of the road.

The DEP's emergency response team said the asbestos is old and dense and cause cancer or respiratory diseases if inhaled.

Residents of the area told Eyewitness News that they witness people dumping trash along the road often.

"Being next to a school, we want to take all the precautions and make sure this is removed," said Brian Emanuelson of the DEP.

The department said it will also remove oil and oil-based paints found by the road as well.

Rocco reported that officials will search the area for evidence. Dumping hazardous materials carries a penalty of hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines and jail time.

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