Town of Brookhaven, Clean Air Act Violations, New York 2023
The Town of Brookhaven in New York has agreed to settle a federal complaint filed under the Clean Air Act (CAA) after its failure to properly monitor and control noxious landfill gas emissions.
The United States filed a lawsuit against the Town of Brookhaven to address its longstanding failure to control emissions from the Brookhaven Landfill. The lawsuit alleged that the Town's facilities have violated the CAA and its implementing regulations since 2005.
Under the agreement, the Town will install and operate systems to reduce and monitor landfill gases, including sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and methane. The settlement also requires the Town to pay a civil penalty of $249,166.
The lawsuit and Consent Judgment were filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, in Central Islip, New York. Following a 30-day public comment period, the United States will review any comments and, if appropriate, ask the court to enter the Consent Judgment.
Acting United States Attorney Seth D. DuCharme stated, “The United States brought this action to ensure that the Town of Brookhaven meets its obligation to protect air quality by properly operating systems that reduce potentially harmful landfill gas emissions.”
EPA Regional Administrator Pete D. Lopez added, “The Town of Brookhaven, EPA and the United States have worked out an agreement that will ensure that hydrogen sulfide and other landfill gas emissions emanating from the Brookhaven landfill are properly monitored, detected, and controlled.”
The CAA was passed by Congress in 1970 to protect public health and the environment through the regulation of air emissions from both stationary and mobile sources.
The Town of Brookhaven owns and operates the Brookhaven Landfill and the Brookhaven Landfill Gas Recovery Facility. The landfill accepts municipal waste from the Town as well as other municipalities throughout Long Island.
According to the settlement, the Town will perform injunctive relief to bring its landfill into compliance with the CAA. The settlement requires the Town to pay a civil penalty of $249,166.
The outcome of this case ensures that the Town of Brookhaven meets its obligation to protect air quality by properly operating systems that reduce potentially harmful landfill gas emissions.
Town of Brookhaven, Clean Air Act Violations, New York 2023
Defendant: Town of Brookhaven
Criminal Charges: Failure to properly monitor and control noxious landfill gas emissions under the Clean Air Act
City and State: Brookhaven, New York
Exact Date: Not specified
Sentence or Outcome: Settlement with a civil penalty of $249,166
Dollar Amounts: $249,166
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Environmental Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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