For Release: Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Comprehensive Environmental Enforcement Settlement Reached with Putnam County
Agreement Addresses Wastewater Treatment, Solid Waste, Recycling and Petroleum Storage Violations
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Pete Grannis today announced the settlement of a comprehensive enforcement action with Putnam County to address multiple violations of the state's environmental laws regarding sewage discharges, petroleum storage tanks, a landfill closure and the changes to the county's recycling program.
The "consent order" requires the county to pay a $55,000 penalty and to commit to further action to address longstanding environmental issues at county facilities. The order sets forth a detailed compliance schedule and makes clear that the county could face an additional $100,000 or more in penalties if the environmental violations aren't addressed according to the terms of the order.
"DEC environmental enforcement efforts bring positive benefits to all of our communities, and nothing more clearly demonstrates that than this comprehensive action," said Regional Director Willie Janeway. "For example, an effective petroleum bulk storage program is the best way to protect residents, groundwater and drinking water supplies from spills. A good recycling program not only benefits local residents but also helps preserve natural resources for future generations. Proper landfill closures protect public health. Putnam County has recognized the significance of a clean and healthy environment by working cooperatively with us to address these issues."
Putnam County Attorney Jennifer Bumgarner said: "We're very pleased with the outcome of the negotiations that took place between the county and DEC. The order not only serves the best interests of the taxpayers of County of Putnam, but also protects the county from additional exposure to liability with respect to any environmental issues that may become an issue at these sites. In addition, the county is also very pleased with the fact that the order contained a civil penalty which is significantly less than what potentially could have been imposed."
"We've come away from this process with a very positive relationship with the new administration at the DEC, and hope to continue that good will through the implementation process of the consent order," said Deputy County Executive John Tully. "This order illustrates the fact that the county continues to keep the environmental health and safety of its residents as one of its main priorities, and that it will remain committed to the long term preservation of the county's natural resources."
The comprehensive order addresses several areas of environmental law:
Clean Water Act
The consent order addresses Clean Water Act permit violations and unpermitted discharges at the Putnam County National Golf Course sewage treatment plant in Carmel. The county must comply with the provisions of its permit for the plant and, in addition to its existing monitoring system, must complete bi-monthly sampling, install meters to track water use and effluent, and make necessary repairs as outlined in the order's compliance schedule.
Putnam County Landfill
The order recognizes that over the last 20 years Putnam County has continuously taken remedial measures at the landfill, in accordance with state requirements. However, DEC is now requiring the county to undertake more extensive and permanent measures. The order requires the county to complete the proper closure of its landfill (a four-acre inactive solid waste site) and address ongoing issues with leaking contamination. Toward this, the county must re-grade the site, improve surface drainage, and install engineering controls such as drywells and trenches to control leachate discharges.
Recycling Program
The order requires the county to fully comply with state recycling regulations. Among other requirements, the county must hire a consultant to assist in developing a new solid waste management and recycling plan that meets all DEC regulations, and subsequently implement the new plan. This would replace a county plan that expired in 2004.
Petroleum Bulk Storage Violations
The order addresses violations at county Transit and Highway Department facilities by requiring the county to audit all bulk storage facilities and make any necessary repairs flagged by the audit.
The bulk storage regulations are designed to prevent releases from petroleum and chemical storage facilities. The purpose is to protect public health, safety and the environment by preventing spills, leaks and other discharges at these facilities.
