Dutchess Dumping: Serial Polluter Cascino Hit with $200K Fine

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY – Salvatore Cascino, a former Bronx business owner with a history of flouting environmental regulations, is facing a six-figure penalty and a court-ordered cleanup after being caught illegally dumping waste in Dutchess County. Cascino and his company, Ten Mile River, LLC, turned a stretch of land along the Ten Mile River into a clandestine landfill, contaminating sensitive freshwater wetlands.

New York Attorney General Letitia James announced today that Cascino will pay $100,000 in penalties for the ongoing violation. However, that number could climb to $199,200 if he fails to fully comply with the court’s order to clean up the mess. This isn’t the first time Cascino has been busted for this kind of behavior. Back in 2019, the Attorney General’s Office (OAG) and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) reached a settlement requiring Cascino to remediate the site – a settlement he largely ignored.

“Salvatore Cascino and his company broke the law and harmed some of our state’s most valuable natural areas,” Attorney General James stated bluntly. “After years of profiting off illegal dumping and abuse of natural resources, today, we are holding him accountable.” A 2024 DEC inspection revealed that little to no work had been done on the previously agreed-upon cleanup plan, approved in 2022. The plan demanded the removal of dumped waste, capping of remaining refuse, and restoration of the wetlands using native plants.

DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton emphasized the long-term consequences of such violations. “Illegal dumping in wetland areas can damage the environment long after the dumping occurs,” she said. “DEC’s thorough investigation and the joint enforcement action with Attorney General James resulted in holding this repeat violator accountable and sends a strong message that New York state’s natural spaces are not a dumping ground for illegal waste disposal.” Freshwater wetlands are critical to flood control and provide habitats for diverse wildlife.

Dutchess County Supreme Court Judge Christi Acker issued the ruling, demanding complete site cleanup and environmental restoration under DEC supervision. The agreement reached between the OAG and Cascino requires immediate action. Failure to comply will trigger the additional $99,200 penalty. This case highlights a pattern of disregard for environmental laws, and authorities are making it clear that such behavior will not be tolerated.

The case was handled by Senior Enforcement Counsel Andrew J. Gershon and Assistant Attorney General Max Shterngel of the OAG’s Environmental Protection Bureau, under the supervision of Bureau Chief Lemuel Srolovic. The Bureau operates within the Division for Social Justice, led by Chief Deputy Attorney General Meghan Faux and overseen by First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on any further developments.