24 Arrested In Connection To Illegal Dumping Cases Across LI

BRENTWOOD, NY - Officials announced on Wednesday the details of the largest takedown of alleged illegal dumping offenders in state history.

As a result of an 18-month investigation into the illegal construction and demolition debris dumping on Long Island, dubbed Operation TrashNet.

Since early 2017 Suffolk Police, Department of Environmental Conservation police and the Suffolk County District Attorney's office worked to spearhead dozens of undercover details and truck surveillance operations to uncover a number of crimes.

During the investigation, which took place on Long Island and the mid-Hudson Valley:

• Over 550 total tickets issued and charges filed for various misdemeanors and other serious safety violations during enforcement actions
• More than 170 tickets issued for alleged unlawful disposal of solid waste
• More than 40 trucking companies allegedly identified
• 81 new illegal dumping sites uncovered
• 26 trucks seized and impounded
• 53 search warrants executed

While a number of cases remain under investigation, additional operations to identify and pursue criminal offenders and illegal dumping sites are planned for the coming months.

"Illegal dumping poses a serious threat to our environment, and New York will not allow any unscrupulous businesses to continue to harm this state,"Governor Andrew Cuomo said. "We have made significant progress in protecting New York's communities and resources with the largest takedown of alleged illegal dumping, and as we continue to work to stop this alleged criminal behavior, we are sending a clear message to potential polluters that their time is up and this state will do everything in our power to protect New York's communities."

As part of the operation, DEC officers and DA Timothy Sini announced the arrests of 24 people who were connected to dozens of alleged illegal C&D debris and solid waste dumping cases on Long Island, some of whom face felony charges, including those involved with the soccer fields at Brentwood North Middle School.

Through Operation Pay Dirt, which was executed by the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office in partnership with the DEC as part of Operation TrashNet on Tuesday:

• 12 corporations are being charged with crimes
• 12 trucks used for alleged illegal dumping were seized
• Dozens of new alleged illegal dump sites were uncovered

The DEC also worked directly with local DAs to secure cleanup of the illegal dump sites as part of the joint efforts to bring individuals and companies to justice.

"The individuals and companies arrested in connection with this alleged illegal dumping scheme put the health of Suffolk County residents at risk out of pure greed," Sini said. "These defendants are alleged to have knowingly dumped solid waste and potentially hazardous materials into our residents' backyards and parks just to line their pockets.

Currently, of the 81 new dumping sites uncovered:

• 52 sites are currently under investigation
• 21 sites are under administrative enforcement action requiring responsible parties to conduct cleanups
• 8 sites have been mitigated or clean-ups are currently underway

DEC urges anyone who witnesses illegal dumping activities, or may have been a victim of illegal dumping to report these crimes to NYSDEC 24-hour Poacher and Polluter hotline at 1-844-DEC-ECOS (1-844-332-3267).