Lincoln Park, NJ – Joseph Reindero, owner of the Lincoln Park Airport, avoided significant jail time after illegally dumping hazardous waste and solid waste into New Jersey waterways and burying approximately 65 drums of the material on airport property, according to records obtained by GrimyTimes. The case, initially brought to the attention of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division (EPA-CID) by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office (MCPO) in June 2002, culminated in a pre-trial intervention program rather than a full criminal conviction.
The investigation revealed a deliberate pattern of environmental disregard. Reindero allegedly authorized the disposal of waste directly into state waterways, causing potential ecological damage, and then compounded the issue by burying drums containing unidentified hazardous substances within the airport grounds. Authorities were alerted to the situation following an anonymous tip, leading to a coordinated investigation between federal and local agencies.
Charges and Legal Violations
On October 6, 2003, Reindero was formally charged with multiple offenses under New Jersey state law. These included 2C:17-2a(C), concerning actions that cause or risk widespread injury, a second-degree crime carrying a potential prison sentence of up to 10 years and a fine of up to $150,000. He also faced charges for violating the New Jersey Pollution Control Act (specifically 58:10A-6a and 58:10A-6f) which prohibits the discharge of pollutants and carries penalties including fines and remediation costs. Finally, Reindero was accused of violating the Freshwater Wetlands Act (13:9b-21f), which protects critical wetland ecosystems, with violations potentially leading to significant fines and restoration requirements.
Pre-Trial Intervention and Settlement
Despite the severity of the alleged crimes, Reindero avoided a formal trial through participation in the Morris County Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) program. This program allows individuals to avoid a criminal conviction by completing certain requirements, typically including community service, restitution, and/or a donation to a designated fund. In Reindero’s case, a substantial $150,000 donation was made to the PTI program, and he was sentenced to 12 months of probation. Critics argue that such arrangements often allow those with financial resources to evade full accountability for environmental crimes.
Environmental Impact and Ongoing Concerns
The long-term environmental impact of the illegal dumping remains a concern. While the immediate remediation of the buried drums was reportedly conducted, the extent of contamination to the waterways and surrounding soil is difficult to fully assess. Environmental advocacy groups have expressed disappointment with the lenient outcome of the case, arguing that it sends the wrong message to potential polluters. The lack of a criminal conviction also means there is no formal record of environmental wrongdoing, potentially hindering future oversight of the Lincoln Park Airport.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Joseph Reindero
- Location: Lincoln Park Airport, New Jersey
- Year of Offense: 2002 (information provided to EPA-CID)
- Waste Dumped: Approximately 65 drums of hazardous waste and solid waste into waterways and buried on airport property
- Statutes Violated: 2C:17-2a(C), 58:10A-6a, 58:10A-6f, 13:9b-21f
- Resolution: Entered Morris County PTI program, $150,000 donation, 12 months probation
GrimyTimes will continue to investigate environmental crime cases and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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