DP News

November 10, 2009

DEP files charges against Lake Township man

EILEEN GODIN Times Leader Correspondent

LAKE TOWNSHIP – Legal action has been taken by the Department of Environmental Protect against alleged solid waste dumping and burning practices of a Lake Township resident.

On October 28, DEP officials filed two charges of solid waste dumping against Tulip Road resident, William Harrison.

“We feel this is the best avenue for progress.” Mark Carmen of DEP said.

Carmen said two charges were filed by DEP inspector David P. Golobek against Harrison with Magistrate Judge James Tupper’s office in Trucksville, on October 28.

The charges were for “unlawful disposal of solid waste.” The first charge carries a fine of $633.50. Golobek claims Harrison dumped solid waste on his property without a “valid permit from the department.”

The second charge is aimed at preventing Harrison from burning solid waste without a valid permit from DEP. A fine of $510 has been charged.

Carmen said at this time a hearing has not been scheduled. Harrison has 10 days to respond to the charges. If he fails to do so, Judge James Tupper will set a hearing date, he said.

“We know Mr. Harrison has picked up the charges because he had to sign for them,” he said.

The DEP said that over the summer, Harrison’s neighbors and out of control bonfires brought the situation to its attention.

Upon inspection of the property in August, Harrison was given 45 days to remove three dump truck size piles of solid waste. DEP says residents steadily called to report continuation of burning and hauling in of more debris.

When DEP returned for a follow-up inspection, they found Harrison did not comply with the orders, Carmen said. He was found to be in violation of the Solid Waste Management Act, Carmen said.

He said the items consisted of construction waste, such as insulation, wiring, scrap metal and other building materials, which are recyclable.

Tweet	Follow @TLnews

This story also appears on the following websites...