Clarified definition added to local law will better protect residents from out-of -County waste
KINGSTON, N.Y. – Ulster County Executive Patrick K. Ryan signed a local law today making it clear that any dumping throughout Ulster County of out-of-county construction debris and other wastes is illegal and potentially a crime. The new law clarifies the types of waste materials prohibited from being imported into the County and dumped.
“Any action that threatens our environment and the health and public safety of our residents will not be tolerated,” said County Executive Ryan. “This local law makes it abundantly clear that what Karolys and other polluters have been doing in Ulster County is illegal. It will allow us to protect our community and equips us with the necessary tools to ensure that no resident of Ulster County has to endure reckless refuse.”
“We want to make it clear we will not tolerate contaminated waste jeopardizing our County’s health and safety,” said Legislator Laura Petit. “I thank County Executive Pat Ryan for signing this important piece of legislation for our County.”
“This law is yet another tool that law enforcement can use to stop illegal dumping in Ulster County,” said Legislator Mary Wawro. “I’m grateful that it’s being signed today, and I will continue to work together with my colleagues to ensure our environment and citizens are safe and healthy.”
This explicated definition comes at a time when towns all across Ulster County have been subject to negative environmental impacts by receiving out of County materials that were used as “clean fill” and permanently dumped in Ulster County. Earlier this year, County Executive Ryan issued an order to immediately cease and desist the dumping of dangerous materials at the Karolys properties in Saugerties. The order, issued through the County Health Department, required that the properties stop receiving, “construction and demolition debris contaminated with heavy metals and pesticides” and asked for an immediate end to such practices. This new amendment further supports this County action.
The law also states that no refuse collected, obtained, or originating outside of Ulster County shall be deposited within the County. Each violation of this multifaceted law constitutes a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $2,000 or by imprisonment for no more than six months, or a combination of fine and imprisonment.
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