Search

New Jersey DEP Takes Action on Sussex County Dump Site

Posted on 3/6/2019 by Lauren Scott

Documents filed in New Jersey state Superior Court last month show that the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is seeking an injunction against a property owner for allegedly operating an unlicensed solid waste facility, refusing access to New Jersey DEP inspectors, and ignoring numerous stop-work orders.

Thousands of waste deliveries over almost a decade have resulted in a 75-foot pile of dirt, plastic, rebar, concrete, piping, asphalt, and other debris in Vernon Township, NJ. Township residents allege that this dumping operation resulted in water contamination to neighboring wells, with one well reportedly testing positive for arsenic. It is unclear if the dump site, reportedly located near a major source of drinking water, contributed to the contamination. 

Join us for expert-led hazardous materials, hazardous waste, and environmental training at the Lion Training Center in Sparta, NJ! Find a workshop at www.Lion.com/Sparta. 

According to NJ DEP, soil samples taken near the site show that at least some of the material meets New Jersey’s state criteria for solid waste. A permit is required to operate a solid waste facility in New Jersey.

On February 22, New Jersey Advance Media reported that NJ DEP officials are warning dump truck drivers that depositing fill material at the site in question “may be construed as contributing to an illegal solid waste activity.”
 
An amended Consent Order that grants some (but not all) of NJ DEP’s requests was filed in NJ Superior Court on March 1.

Waste Disposal and CERCLA Liability

Unlawful disposal of contaminated or hazardous waste are not only a problem for the individual who broke the law, but also for the generator of the waste. Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), the Federal government may hold the generator of the waste responsible as a potentially responsible party and seek remuneration for cleanup costs. 

Be confident that your waste is ready for safe land disposal. The Land Disposal Restrictions Online Course covers generators’ responsibilities for ensuring proper treatment and disposal of hazardous waste.

The owner of the Vernon, NJ site previously pled guilty to illegally dumping wastes—including coal ash—in Warwick, NY and was sentenced to probation. The dump site owner was assessed a fine of $75,000 levied as part of a New Jersey municipal court conviction in May 2017.

Environmental Training in Sparta, NJ

Join Lion Technology in Sparta, NJ for expert-led training to simplify environmental and hazardous materials compliance. Reserve your seat now and take part in interactive workshops now approved for continuing education credits for Licensed Site Remediation Professionals (LSRPs).

Network with professionals from a wide range of industries who know the challenges you face. You will develop a step-by-step approach to identify and comply with the hazmat transportation and EPA hazardous waste, air, water, and chemical regulations that impact your facility.   
See the full schedule of workshops at Lion.com/Sparta.
 

Tags: DEP, disposal, EPA, hazardous waste, local, Sussex County, Vernon

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

This training broke down the regulations in an easy-to-understand manner and made them less overwhelming. I now feel I have the knowledge to make more informed decisions.

Amanda Oswald

Shipping Professional

I was recently offered an opportunity to take my training through another company, but I politely declined. I only attend Lion Technology workshops.

Stephanie Gilliam

Material Production/Logistics Manager

Lion is at the top of the industry in compliance training. Course content and structure are updated frequently to make annual re-training enjoyable. I like that Lion has experts that I can contact for 1 year after the training.

Caroline Froning

Plant Chemist

The instructor was great, explaining complex topics in terms that were easily understandable and answering questions clearly and thoroughly.

Brittany Holm

Lab Supervisor

One of the best trainings I have ever received!

Brandon Morfin

EH&S Manager

I tried other environmental training providers, but they were all sub-standard compared to Lion. I will not stray from Lion again!

Sara Sills

Environmental Specialist

My experience with Lion classes has always been good. Lion Technology always covers the EPA requirements I must follow.

Steven Erlandson

Environmental Coordinator

Very well structured, comprehensive, and comparable to live training seminars I've participated in previously. I will recommend the online course to other colleagues with training requirement needs.

Neil Luciano

EHS Manager

I really enjoy your workshops. Thank you for such a great program and all the help Lion has provided me over the years!

George Chatman

Hazardous Material Pharmacy Technician

Energetic/enthusiastic! Made training enjoyable, understandable and fun!

Amanda Walsh

Hazardous Waste Professional

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Use this guide to spot which tanks and substances are regulated under EPA's Underground Storage Tank program, and which are excluded as of October 2018.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.