On March 9, Councilman Dan Panico (center) held a press conference in the Mastic Beach wetlands at the site of an illegal dumping of demolition debris. The event was held prior to the Town Board Meeting where the Councilman sponsored a resolution to hold a public hearing for establishing strict penalties for illegal dumping in the Town of Brookhaven. The illegal dumping in Mastic Beach occurred on Forest Road East between Washington Drive and Lincoln Drive, just one block from Narrow Bay. The pile of debris included concrete, metal and wood, along with general household trash and other items in large, black plastic bags. Councilman Panico was joined at the press conference by Supervisor Ed Romaine (left) and Suffolk County Legislator Jim Mazzarella (right).
The penalties announced by Councilman Panico include a minimum of $5,000 and a maximum of $10,000 and 15 days in jail. The penalty for a second occurrence will start at a minimum fine of $10,000 and go to a maximum of $20,000 and jail time. The Public Hearing will be held at 5:30 pm during the March 30 Town Board Meeting.
Supervisor Romaine said, “Illegal dumping is disgraceful anywhere, but it is especially egregious when it occurs in our environmentally sensitive wetlands. Thanks to the vigilance of Mastic Beach residents, we are confident that the people who did this will be caught, and they will pay the price. We will not tolerate illegal dumping in Brookhaven Town, so if you are thinking about committing this serious crime, I suggest that you don’t do it.”
Councilman Panico said, “This is an environmental crime, motivated by greed and selfishness, and we are all victims. The Town works hard to preserve open space, especially our sensitive wetlands, and we are committed to safeguarding these preservations. This kind of illegal dumping has to stop, which is why the Town is calling for maximum penalties, including jailtime, for those who are found to be responsible.”
Suffolk County Legislator Mazzarella said, “Illegal dumping is happening far too often in our community. The Mastic Beach wetlands are being decimated by the actions of a few greedy individuals and it must stop now. The Suffolk County Police have assured me that we will have the full resources of the department to solve this crime and punish the law breakers. Soon, we will meet with state and local authorities to discuss initiatives that will help to stop the illegal dumping and to enforce the laws already on the books.”
