DEC cites construction firm for environmental violations at St. Lawrence River site

MORRISTOWN — On March 23, Mike Sherry, an environmental conservation police officer with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), was patrolling along the St. Lawrence River in the town of Morristown at 295 River Road, when he saw several construction vehicles. 

Sherry noted that a company was working on the riverbank, so he met the business owner and operator to check compliance with permits and regulations, the DEC said in a news release. His site inspection showed the unnamed company had placed material into the river and not taken any precautions to prevent contamination of the water.

Sediment and about 100 feet of crushed stone had been deposited into the St. Lawrence River along the shoreline and the business owner acknowledged that he knew he needed to place silt screen, but said it was in his other truck. 

After noting the violations, Sherry stopped work on the construction site, took photos, and issued the business owner an administrative summons. The violation resulted in a $1,000 penalty under consent, the DEC said.