The order calls for an end to illegal dumping and filling in the Town of Kingston
County Executive Ryan pledges to continue to take a hard stance against individuals who disrespect the environment
KINGSTON, N.Y. – Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan today announced the issuance of an order to immediately cease and desist the dumping of materials at properties owned by Woodstock Landscaping and Excavating L.L.C, off of Basin Road in the Town of Kingston. Large volumes of construction and demolition debris have been dumped on the county-owned rail corridor property behind Beesmer Furniture Store on Route 28. The debris has created a hazardous situation for residents and the environment.
In 2019, County Executive Ryan was the first to issue a cease and desist order against Saugerties polluter Joseph Kerolys. Following a call from County Executive Ryan, earlier this year the New York Attorney General Letitia James filed a lawsuit against Joseph Karolys for persistent and flagrant violations of New York solid waste and water pollution laws. In addition, County Executive Ryan signed into law a bill that states that no refuse collected, obtained, or originating outside of Ulster County shall be deposited within the County.
“The actions of these polluters threaten the health and public safety of our residents and our environment and will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” County Executive Ryan said. “Ulster County has zero tolerance for this kind of selfish behavior. My office will continue to monitor this situation and we will not hesitate to take additional action should these polluters continue to act in such a reckless manner.”
“Catskill Mountainkeeper applauds Ulster County for pursuing action against the rampant illegal dumping of construction and demolition debris in the Catskills,” Catskill Mountainkeeper Program Director Kate Hagerman said. “This decisive action sends the message that Ulster County is not going to tolerate activities that threaten our water and soil quality.
The order requires the cease and desist of the dumping and filling of refuse in any manner that trespasses upon or impacts County property. The order asks for an immediate end to such practices.
The dumping and filling of Construction and Demolition Debris and other Refuse as defined by Ulster County Administrative Code § 304-2 (collectively, “Refuse”) on the property has resulted in pieces of Refuse being dumped onto the County’s railroad property. This conduct constitutes a clear trespass onto County land, as well as a violation of Ulster County Code § 304-4 and other state and local laws and regulations. These violations are subject to serious civil and criminal penalties, and empower the County to apply for a court order to enjoin activities on these properties until these issues are remedied. This matter is also being referred to the Town of Kingston Code Enforcement Officer as a violation of, among other things, Chapter 321 of the Town Code.
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