State Judge Closes Rogue Waste Transfer Station

State Attorney General Spitzer today hailed a decision by a state judge in a major environmental case. The decision resulted in the closing of a controversial waste transfer station in Brooklyn that was built without any public review or environmental permits.

``New York will not tolerate such flagrant violations of environmental laws designed to protect the public,'‘ said Spitzer. ``This action by the court sends a clear message to the waste collection and hauling industry that we will aggressively investigate and prosecute such violations.'‘

In a January 8 decision, state Supreme Court Judge Bernard J. Malone ordered Eastern Transfer Inc. of New York's waste collection station on Morgan Avenue in Brooklyn closed. The Mt. Laurel, N.J.-based company began building the $3-million, 37,000 square-foot facility in January 1998 without going through the required state environmental review process.

The project drew complaints from nearby residents and businesses concerned that their neighborhood would be overrun by garbage trucks, foul odors, noise, and possible rodent infestation.

State Department of Environmental Conservation officials investigated Eastern Transfer's building project and recommended that it be shut down.

Spitzer praised the work of assistant attorney general Maureen F. Leary who prosecuted the case.

``This was a maverick company operating without strict regulatory oversight,'‘ said Leary. ``Word is already going around the waste hauling industry that Eastern was shut down, and we believe this will have a dampening effect on anyone contemplating similar activity.'‘

Eastern Transfer argued in court that it had the right to build the new transfer station because it had permission from DEC to operate a neighboring open-air waste collection center. But Malone brushed aside the company's contentions, saying they were without merit.