WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. (Legal Newsline) — A New York environmental organization alleges the discharge of pollutants at the headquarters for several Shen Yun music and dance companies in the western part of the state.
Mid-New York Environmental and Sustainability Promotion Committee, Inc., doing business as Nyenvironcom, Robert Majcher, Grace Woodward and Alex Scilla filed a complaint June 9 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York against Dragon Springs Buddhist, Inc., alleging unlawful discharge of pollutants and other claims.
According to the plaintiff's complaint, Dragon Springs constructed a "compound on nearly 400 acres of land located in the town of Deerpark in Orange County, New York." The plaintiff claims the compound is used as the world headquarters for the "Falun Gong movement," which promotes traditional Chinese culture, as well as headquarters for eight Shen Yun music and dance companies.
The plaintiff further claims that the site includes an arts center, arts college, grade school, residential housing, temples and a wastewater treatment plant. The plaintiff claims the wastewater treatment plant generates fecal coliform which makes its way into the Basher Kill and Neversink River. The plaintiff also claims Dragon Springs has been previously cited for several violations involving the construction activity at the compound and that the defendant has violated state and federal environmental laws and the regulations for its "SPDES" permit issued by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
The plaintiffs seek monetary relief, interest, trial by jury and all other just relief. They are represented by E. Christopher Murray of Rivkin Radler LLP in Uniondale.
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York case number 1:23-CV-04870