Blumenthal
HARTFORD, Conn. - An injunction granted by a Superior Court judge will close a solid waste transfer station, and two companies will be responsible for its cleanup.
Associated Carting and D.C. Waste Management, operators of the station in Milford, may also face civil penalties, according to Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal.
Blumenthal is representing the Department of Environmental Protection and contends the companies never obtained the necessary permits to operate the transfer station or discharge contaminated materials into the soil and water.
"Our continuing fight for quick closure and stiff penalties should send a message: We will shut down and sanction any trash hauler who trashes our state," Blumenthal said. "These waste haulers operated without even a pretense of compliance -- a permit to store or discharge contaminated waste -- defying and dodging the law.
"I am absolutely delighted and grateful for the court's prompt order protecting against contamination by waste and dangerous substances seeping into surrounding soil and water."
Blumenthal said he will seek civil penalties of up to $25,000 per violation per day. Judge Samuel Freed will rule on that request later in the case.
The DEP inspected the site Monday and discovered 60 roll-off containers filled with construction and demolition debris, Blumenthal said. None of the containers were covered, leading to contamination of the area's soil and groundwater.
The companies have 20 days to dispose of all the solid waste on the property.