Tag:

Environmental Protection

Monmouth
News
Absurd Items, Fewer Plastic Bags Found On NJ Beaches By Volunteers In 2023 Absurd Items, Fewer Plastic Bags Found On NJ Beaches By Volunteers In 2023
Absurd Items, Fewer Plastic Bags Found On NJ Beaches By Volunteers In 2023 Volunteers cleaning New Jersey's beaches in 2023 found hundreds of thousands of pieces of debris, from typical garbage to some very strange items. The environmental nonprofit group Clean Ocean Action (COA) released its 2023 Annual Beach Sweeps Report on Thursday, Apr. 4. The report shows data about the litter found on the Garden State's beaches by COA's 3,664 volunteers. COA noted that there were about 60 percent fewer volunteers during the 2023 sweeps due to bad weather. To make it consistent with previous years, 2023 data was also shown as an estimate of items removed per volunteer. The …

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by Chris Spiker
Baltimore
News
Dive Operations, Vehicle Recovery Paused At Key Bridge Due To Hazardous Conditions: Officials Dive Operations, Vehicle Recovery Paused At Key Bridge Due To Hazardous Conditions: Officials
Dive Operations, Vehicle Recovery Paused At Key Bridge Due To Hazardous Conditions: Officials Crews continue to work around the clock to contain possibly hazardous materials that were spilled during the Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore. The US Coast Guard issued an update on Thursday afternoon after dive operations and vehicle recovery efforts were temporarily paused due to the hazardous conditions caused by the wreckage and debris. NTSBgov According to the Baltimore County Police Department, the agency remains on the water to help secure the area around the collapse site, where there were 56 containers of hazardous materials onboard the Dali. Officials said that those container…

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by Zak Failla
Ocean
News
$1.5M In 'Critical' Upgrades Coming To Ocean County Wastewater Plant $1.5M In 'Critical' Upgrades Coming To Ocean County Wastewater Plant
$1.5M In 'Critical' Upgrades Coming To Ocean County Wastewater Plant Ocean County is getting more than $1 million for major improvements to a wastewater treatment plant, officials said. The county will receive $1.5 million for work at the Central Water Pollution Control Facilities plant in Berkeley Township. Republican Rep. Chris Smith announced the federal funding in a news release on Friday, Mar. 15. The goal is to improve safety and reduce environmental risks at the plant on Hickory Lane. "This critical federal funding will allow Ocean County to demolish, replace, and rehabilitate the digester tank cover and other mechanical, structural, and electri…

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by Chris Spiker
White Plains
Politics
Update: Westchester County Exec Latimer Officially Announces Bid For Congress Against Bowman Update: Westchester County Exec Latimer Officially Announces Bid For Congress Against Bowman
Update: Westchester County Exec Latimer Officially Announces Bid For Congress Against Bowman Westchester County Executive George Latimer has officially announced his intention to launch a Congressional Democratic primary challenge for New York's 16th District seat.  Latimer, age 70, announced his campaign in a video posted to social media on Wednesday morning, Dec. 6, in which he said he is "ready to deliver" for constituents within the 16th district.  The 16th district is made up of the southern part of Westchester, including the suburban cities of White Plains, Mount Vernon, Yonkers, New Rochelle, and Rye, and a small portion of the northern Bronx.  "We're al…

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by Ben Crnic
Suffolk NY
News
Illegal Dumpers Seen Flipping Off Witness At Mastic Beach Wetlands Get Fitting Punishment Illegal Dumpers Seen Flipping Off Witness At Mastic Beach Wetlands Get Fitting Punishment
Illegal Dumpers Seen Flipping Off Witness At Mastic Beach Wetlands Get Fitting Punishment A Long Island couple will avoid jail time in lieu of a more creative punishment after they were busted dumping their junk in protected wetlands. Husband and wife Fabio and Judith Monasterolo, both of Holbrook, pleaded guilty to criminal mischief in Suffolk County Court on Monday, Oct. 16, for illegally dumping cinder blocks and concrete near tidal wetlands in Brookhaven. According to prosecutors, Mr. and Mrs. Monasterolo, ages 51 and 55, respectively, were photographed dumping items from their pickup truck into the wetlands near Jefferson Drive and Grove Road in Mastic Beach in April 2023.…

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by Michael Mashburn
Frederick
Police & Fire
Police ID Driver Killed In Frederick County Tanker Truck Explosion Police ID Driver Killed In Frederick County Tanker Truck Explosion
Police ID Driver Killed In Frederick County Tanker Truck Explosion New details have emerged after a tanker truck driver was killed and a home destroyed when a tanker truck carrying thousands of gallons of gasoline exploded in the busy Route 15 corridor in Frederick City last weekend. Maryland State Police investigators have identified Smithsburgh resident Ronald Leroy Heiston, Jr. 58, as the driver who crashed at around noon on Saturday, March 4, in the 500 block of Schley Avenue, setting off an explosion that resulted in a massive response by emergency personnel.  Upon arrival at the scene of the crash, officials say that crews found a large tanker in fl…

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by Zak Failla
Harrison
News
Harrison To Replace Cracked Sewer Pipes To Prevent Pollution, Bacteria Exposure Harrison To Replace Cracked Sewer Pipes To Prevent Pollution, Bacteria Exposure
Harrison To Replace Cracked Sewer Pipes To Prevent Pollution, Bacteria Exposure A town in Westchester County is dedicating efforts to clean deteriorated sewer pipes to prevent pollutants from entering the environment and to protect residents from exposure to harmful waste.  To do this, the town of Harrison has entered into a contract with a company called Pipelogix to enlist their help in maintaining and replacing aging and leaking sewer laterals running from residences to the curb, according to an announcement from the law firm representing Pipelogix, Abrams Fensterman, from Monday, Dec. 5.  The goal of the program is to reduce pollution in Long Island …

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by Ben Crnic
Essex NJ
News
Ex-Councilman In Caldwell Calls 911 On Little Girl Spraying Spotted Lanternflies Ex-Councilman In Caldwell Calls 911 On Little Girl Spraying Spotted Lanternflies
Ex-Councilman In Caldwell Calls 911 On Little Girl Spraying Spotted Lanternflies Bobbi Wilson walked outside her North Jersey home on a sunny day in October feeling like a hero. After learning about spotted lanternflies in school, and researching ways to kill them in a non-toxic way, the 9-year-old girl strutted out of her Caldwell home on Oct. 22, spraying a mixture of dish soap and apple cider vinegar around her neighborhood. Bobbi felt a sense of pride: She was doing something good for the environment.  But this feeling didn't last long, as her neighbor who identified himself as Gordon Lawshe — a former Republican council member — called the police to …

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by Cecilia Levine
Northwest Dutchess
Politics
Democrat Pat Ryan Prevails In Razor-Thin Redrawn Putnam Congressional Race District Democrat Pat Ryan Prevails In Razor-Thin Redrawn Putnam Congressional Race District
Democrat Pat Ryan Prevails In Razor-Thin Redrawn Putnam Congressional Race District New York Democratic Rep. Pat Ryan has squeezed out a win against Republican Assemblyman Colin Schmitt for the 18th US Congressional District.  Earlier Report - Rep. Pat Ryan Edging Out Republican Colin Schmitt In NY’s 18th District Race (Developing) Ryan won the contest by just over 2,000 votes, earning 50.4 percent of the total votes cast, according to the New York Times. Schmitt compiled 49.6 percent of the vote. In a tweet on Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 9, Ryan, the former Ulster County executive, celebrated his hard-fought victory.  Now we begin the real work to unify our country an…

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by Ben Crnic
Columbia Greene
Politics
Republican Marc Molinaro On Track To Win In NY’s 19th District (Developing) Republican Marc Molinaro On Track To Win In NY’s 19th District (Developing)
Republican Marc Molinaro On Track To Win In NY’s 19th District (Developing) This story has been updated. Republicans appeared poised to win in New York’s 19th Congressional District, with Marc Molinaro seemingly on track to defeat Democrat Josh Riley early Wednesday, Nov. 9.  Molinaro, the Dutchess County executive, was leading Riley by 2.2 percentage points, 51 to 49 percent, as of early Wednesday morning, Nov. 9, with more than 95 percent of the votes in. The 19th Congressional District includes the counties of Columbia, Delaware, Greene, Otsego, Schoharie, Sullivan, and Ulster, as well as portions of Broome, Dutchess, Montgomery, and Rensselaer counties. …

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by Michael Mashburn
Ocean
News
SInkholes Filled At Jersey Shore Beach, Area Remains Blocked Off SInkholes Filled At Jersey Shore Beach, Area Remains Blocked Off
SInkholes Filled At Jersey Shore Beach, Area Remains Blocked Off Sinkholes that left a Jersey Shore beach unusable earlier this month have largely been filled back in by natural tide cycles, state officials said. The first sinkhole at Bradley Beach was spotted on Thursday, Aug. 11. Several other sinkholes off McCabe Avenue were found the next day.  A section of the beach near the sinkholes remains fenced off as a precaution, according to state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) spokesman Larry Hajna. The holes were caused by breaches in an outflow pipe near the beachfront, local officials said.  The DEP’s Division of Coastal Enginee…

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by Jon Craig
Capital District
News
Legislation Banning Smoking At NY State Parks, Beaches Signed Into Law By Hochul Legislation Banning Smoking At NY State Parks, Beaches Signed Into Law By Hochul
Legislation Banning Smoking At NY State Parks, Beaches Signed Into Law By Hochul New Yorkers can no longer light up at state parks and beaches. Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation Friday, July 15, that prohibits smoking in all state-owned beaches, boardwalks, marinas, playgrounds, recreation centers, and group camps. Those who violate the law could be fined $50. "Smoking is a dangerous habit that affects not only the smoker but everyone around them, including families and children enjoying our state's great public places," Hochul said in a statement. "I'm proud to sign this legislation that will protect New Yorker's health and help reduce litter in public parks and …

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by Michael Mashburn
Capital District
News
Pittstown State Forest Doubles In Size After New Acquisition, Officials Say Pittstown State Forest Doubles In Size After New Acquisition, Officials Say
Pittstown State Forest Doubles In Size After New Acquisition, Officials Say New York State officials announced the acquisition of 1,175 acres of land, more than doubling the size of a a state forest in the region. Gov. Kathy Hochul made the announcement about the acquisition of the lands in Rensselaer County adjoining Pittstown State Forest on the Rensselaer Plateau in Grafton on Wednesday, April 20. "New York State is laser focused on preserving and enhancing open space, and the Rensselaer Plateau, just a short visit from the Capitol, provides a spectacular outdoor escape from Albany's bustling downtown," Hochul said. "Today's addition to the Pittstown State …

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by Nicole Valinote
Harrison
News
NY Styrofoam Ban Takes Effect Jan. 1: Here's What To Know NY Styrofoam Ban Takes Effect Jan. 1: Here's What To Know
NY Styrofoam Ban Takes Effect Jan. 1: Here's What To Know New York State's ban on single-use Styrofoam food and beverage containers and packing peanuts will soon take effect. According to the state Department of Environmental Conservatism, the ban on packing peanuts and food and beverage containers made of polystyrene foam, often known by the brand name Styrofoam, will go into effect on Saturday, Jan. 1. The goal of the ban is to help protect the environment, as foam packaging is a major contributor to environmental litter, harming waterways, wildlife and more. Officials said under the new ban, no food service provider or store covered in the lis…

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by Nicole Valinote
Worcester
News
Septage Co. Accused Of Dumping Waste Into Town's Sewers Is Fined $500K Septage Co. Accused Of Dumping Waste Into Town's Sewers Is Fined $500K
Septage Co. Accused Of Dumping Waste Into Town's Sewers Is Fined $500K A Massachusetts sewage disposal company has agreed to pay up to $500,000, among other concessions, to settle allegations that it illegally dumped excrement and waste into the public sewer system. On Friday, Nov. 13, Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey announced the settlement between the state and Midstate Sewerage of Millbury. The AG had sued the disposal company in 2018 alleging it had violated the state’s Clean Water Act. Midstate is registered to Thomas M. Stratford with Peter C. Stratford as president, according to the business license filed with the Massachusetts Secretary of S…

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by Kristin Palpini
Ulster Sullivan
News
Damaged Fuel Line Cited As Cause For New Paltz's Tainted Water Damaged Fuel Line Cited As Cause For New Paltz's Tainted Water
Damaged Fuel Line Cited As Cause For New Paltz's Tainted Water Environmental officials have identified a damaged fuel line as the likely source of contamination of the water system in the Village of New Paltz. Village officials reported on Wednesday, Feb. 12, that during the installation of the village's water plant’s new filtration system, a third-party contractor damaged the fuel line to the treatment plant’s oil furnace creating a slow seepage leak into the ground approximately 500 feet from the reservoir on the Mountain Rest Road water treatment plant property.  "We believe oil began to leak from the damaged line once the heat was turned on th…

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by Kathy Reakes
Ulster Sullivan
News
SUNY New Paltz Closed Through Week's End Due To Reports Of Tainted Water SUNY New Paltz Closed Through Week's End Due To Reports Of Tainted Water
SUNY New Paltz Closed Through Week's End Due To Reports Of Tainted Water All classes have been canceled through the end of the week at SUNY New Paltz due to reported tainted water. College officials at the campus in Ulster County said they made the decision on Tuesday, Feb. 11, to close out of an abundance of caution for the safety of students after being notified by a precautionary advisory issued by the Village of New Paltz. They said the closure will last until at least Saturday, Feb. 15. The first water notice was issued on Monday, Feb. 10, after residents complained of an "odor" and "taste" problems coming from the water supply. During an inspection, a “s…

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by Kathy Reakes
Bronxville
Business
Wegmans, With New Store In Area Near Opening, Phasing Out Single-Use Plastic Bags In NY Wegmans, With New Store In Area Near Opening, Phasing Out Single-Use Plastic Bags In NY
Wegmans, With New Store In Area Near Opening, Phasing Out Single-Use Plastic Bags In NY Have your reusable grocery bags ready? With a new store set to open in the area over the summer, Wegmans announced that the company is planning to phase out single-use plastic grocery bags in all its New York stores as of Monday, Jan .27. The grocery store giant announced on Monday, Jan. 6, that ahead of a planned statewide ban on single-use bags that takes effect in March, they will begin encouraging customers to use reusable bags. Related story: Wegmans Sets Official Opening Day For Harrison Location Paper bags will still be available for a five-cent fee, with sales being donated…

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by Zak Failla
Cortlandt
Police & Fire
Oil Truck Crashes Down Embankment, Causing Fuel Leak In Area Oil Truck Crashes Down Embankment, Causing Fuel Leak In Area
Oil Truck Crashes Down Embankment, Causing Fuel Leak In Area An oil tanker crashed down an embankment, causing a fuel leak that firefighters are still busy soaking up. The crash took place around 2 p.m., Friday, Nov. 1, in Putnam Valley on Hollowbrook Road, officials said. The driver was not injured, but firefighters with the Putnam Valley Department are using absorbent pads to stop the oil from leaking into the nearby Hollow Brook, the department said. Mahopac Falls Volunteer Fire Department and Montrose VA Fire Department and the Putnam County Bureau of Emergency Services Hazmat Team assisted with the call. 

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by Kathy Reakes
North Orange
News
Feds Sue Orange County Horse Racing Training Center Over Violations Feds Sue Orange County Horse Racing Training Center Over Violations
Feds Sue Orange County Horse Racing Training Center Over Violations The federal government has levied charges against the owners of a Hudson Valley horse racing training center for allegedly violating the Federal Clean Water Act. It is alleged that from 2007 to 2017, the owners and operators of Mark Ford Stables in Wallkill destroyed existing federal wetlands and rerouted streams in the course of building a horse racing training center at both properties,” U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman said. In addition, the owners allegedly have operated a concentrated animal feeding operation without a permit, allowing horse wash water and process wastewater to be discha…

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by Zak Failla
Essex NJ
News
Filters Handed Out By Newark Effective At Removing Lead, Officials Say Filters Handed Out By Newark Effective At Removing Lead, Officials Say
Filters Handed Out By Newark Effective At Removing Lead, Officials Say Gov. Phil Murphy announced Monday that an extensive round of preliminary testing revealed that water filters distributed by the city of Newark are at least 97 percent effective at bringing lead levels to below 10 parts per billion, well under the safe threshold of 15 parts per billion.  (Click here for more information on the city's water line replacement program.)  The filters approach 99 percent effectiveness when residents run their water for about five to 10 or minutes, especially first thing in the morning or other periods when the tap has not been used for several hours or m…

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by Paul Milo
Pelham
Politics
Move To Ban Single-Use Plastic Bottle Toiletries Gains Steam In New York Move To Ban Single-Use Plastic Bottle Toiletries Gains Steam In New York
Move To Ban Single-Use Plastic Bottle Toiletries Gains Steam In New York Tiny plastic bottles of shampoo, conditioner and body wash in hotels may soon be a thing of the past in New York as lawmakers continue efforts to reduce plastic waste statewide. Long Island Sen. Todd Kaminsky announced a proposal this week that would prohibit hotels from providing patrons with single-use plastic toiletries. Instead, guests may see wall-mounted dispensers, multi-use bottles or non-plastic containers used. It is estimated that hotels in New York City alone dispose of more than 25 million mini-plastic bottles each year. Some hotel chains have already taken measures to elimin…

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by Zak Failla
DV Plus - Westchester
Politics
Around The Towns: Active Shooter Defense, Indian Point Closure, Biaggi Speaks, Buchwald Lauded Around The Towns: Active Shooter Defense, Indian Point Closure, Biaggi Speaks, Buchwald Lauded
Around The Towns: Active Shooter Defense, Indian Point Closure, Biaggi Speaks, Buchwald Lauded Westchester County will offer additional training sessions for residents to learn the strategies and skills to survive if an active shooter attacked their workplace or another public venue. Known as Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE), training classes will be offered on Wednesday, Oct. 9 and Tuesday, Nov. 12 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Westchester County Center in White Plains. The training is free and open to the public. Advance registration is required. “Active Shooter incidents continue to occur around the nation and we want to provide our residents with practical guida…

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by Jon Craig
Nassau
Lifestyle
These Long Island Beaches Are Tops In Clean Water Quality These Long Island Beaches Are Tops In Clean Water Quality
These Long Island Beaches Are Tops In Clean Water Quality Seven beaches on Long Island rank among the cleanest beaches in New York, according to a study of water quality for the past three years.  All of the best-ranked beaches, all in Suffolk County, received the highest average grades during wet and dry weather conditions from 2016 through 2018, according to this report by Save the Sound. The best beaches include: Hobart Beach (Sand City) Inlet and Hobart Beach Bay, both in Northport; Port Jefferson Beaches, both West and East, in Brookhaven; Iron Pier Beach and Mattituck Breakwater Beach, both in Riverhead; and Belle Terre Beach in Brookha…

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by Daily Voice
DV Plus - Fairfield
Politics
How Your Beach Ranks In Clean Water Quality How Your Beach Ranks In Clean Water Quality
How Your Beach Ranks In Clean Water Quality Three beaches in Fairfield County rank among the cleanest beaches along Long Island Sound, according to a new study of water quality covering the past three years. Stamford's Quigley Beach and East (Cove Island) Beach as well as Pear Tree Point Beach -- which is open to Darien residents only -- averaged the highest grades during wet and dry weather conditions from 2016 through 2018, according to this report by Save the Sound. The report highlighted the “Top 20” beaches on Long Island Sound based on water quality, and, for the first time, presented comprehensive grades for 204 swimming beac…

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by Jon Craig
Morris
News
DEP: Harmful Algae Bloom Shuts Lake Hopatcong, 30 Skin Rashes Reported DEP: Harmful Algae Bloom Shuts Lake Hopatcong, 30 Skin Rashes Reported
DEP: Harmful Algae Bloom Shuts Lake Hopatcong, 30 Skin Rashes Reported The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is urging people to stay away from the water at Lake Hopatcong due to a harmful algae bloom (HAB). The DEP has received more than 30 reports of HABs on Lake Hopatcong since June 17, including reports of people experiencing mild skin rashes after coming in contact with lake water. As a precaution, the DEP is recommending that local health authorities close all public swimming beaches along the lake due to the widespread nature of the bloom. Based on the widespread nature of the HAB, the recreational advisory may be in place for weeks, if…

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by Cecilia Levine
Hudson
News
Gas Stations In Newark, Elizabeth, N. Bergen Sued Over Fuel Tanks Gas Stations In Newark, Elizabeth, N. Bergen Sued Over Fuel Tanks
Gas Stations In Newark, Elizabeth, N. Bergen Sued Over Fuel Tanks The U.S. government is suing companies that control several gas stations in New York and New Jersey for allegedly violating regulations governing the maintenance of underground fuel tanks, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York announced last week. The government contends that Genesis Petroleum and 20 other associated companies failed to adequately manage a total of 38 underground tanks where fuel is stored. Fuel leaking from the tanks could contaminate groundwater, causing serious environmental damage, the government said. None of the violations cited in the lawsuit…

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by Paul Milo
Paramus
News
IT'S OFFICIAL: New Valley Hospital Approved In Paramus IT'S OFFICIAL: New Valley Hospital Approved In Paramus
IT'S Official: New Valley Hospital Approved In Paramus The Valley Hospital is one step closer to its new Paramus campus. The borough's Planning Board on Thursday night unanimously approved the seven-story, 362-bed plan for a 40-acre parcel near Winters Avenue, NorthJersey.com reports. The main entrance will be located at Valley Health Plaza and Winters Avenue, across the street from the Luckow Pavilion, Valley's same-day-surgery and comprehensive cancer center. The hospital -- which will replace the health network's current Ridgewood location -- is expected to be complete in 2023. The facility will have single-patient rooms and a five-story …

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by Cecilia Levine
Armonk
Police & Fire
Man Caught, Cited For Illegally Dumping In Public Parking Lot In Westchester Man Caught, Cited For Illegally Dumping In Public Parking Lot In Westchester
Man Caught, Cited For Illegally Dumping In Public Parking Lot In Westchester Police caught a truck driver from Mount Vernon red-handed illegally dumping debris and asphalt in a local parking lot in Westchester. Officers from the Mount Vernon Police Department spotted the driver from a Connecticut company, Ruben Cruz, 57, on Thursday, May 30, dumping in the public parking lot 17, police announced. Cruz, a Third Avenue resident, was accused of littering and issued an appearance ticket to appear in Mount Vernon City Court on July 15. According to officials, the Mount Vernon City Code states that any person violating any provision of the City’s littering ordinance shal…

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by Zak Failla
Nassau
Schools
108-Year-Old Elementary School In Hempstead Set To Be Demolished 108-Year-Old Elementary School In Hempstead Set To Be Demolished
108-Year-Old Elementary School In Hempstead Set To Be Demolished A school building on Long Island that has stood for more than 100 years will soon be a memory. The Hempstead Union Free School District has begun efforts to demolish and replace Rhodes Elementary School on Washington Street. The project began on April 29 with the removal of trees, and all preliminary testing has already been completed in the building and on the campus. The building shuttered its doors in 2004 and has stood since 1911. A new school building is scheduled to be put in its place and operational when the 2021 academic year kicks off as enrollment continues to rise. The district …

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by Zak Failla
Sussex
Police & Fire
Operators Of Waste Transfer Station In Sparta Fined $712K Operators Of Waste Transfer Station In Sparta Fined $712K
Operators Of Waste Transfer Station In Sparta Fined $712K Two companies that haul construction waste established an illegal transfer station in Sparta and dumped some of the material at residential sites throughout Sussex County, the state Department of Environmental Protection said. The agency issued Sinai Trucking a penalty of $527,000 and the second company, Keila Transport, a $185,000 fine. Sinai’s owner and president are Angel A. Bravo-Gomez and Anthony Gomez, respectively. Keila is owned by Gabriel Campoverde. The companies both used the transfer station on Houses Corner Road in Sparta. Sinai accepted at least 50,000 cubic yards of concre…

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by Paul Milo