New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette announced the filing of three new environmental enforcement actions targeting communities identified as overburdened under New Jersey’s Environmental Justice Law. The aforementioned actions pertain to illegal junkyard or solid waste facilities in Hamilton, Kearny, and Woodbridge. Additionally, a separate notice concerns a spray drying facility located near overburdened communities in Middlesex Borough.
In a related development, the state has reached a settlement with KAARS, Inc., an auto recycling facility in Trenton. The company and its owner have agreed to rectify hazardous waste storage violations, adhere to permit conditions, and pay penalties amounting to $100,000 to the DEP.
Since 2018, 75 environmental justice cases or actions have been filed by the Attorney General and DEP as part of an initiative by the Murphy Administration to address environmental violations in overburdened communities. These communities have historically experienced more pollution and contamination but less enforcement compared to other areas.
Attorney General Platkin stated, “Every resident in every community of our state deserves to live free from environmental harm. That’s what environmental justice means, and it’s why we remain fully committed to this critical work.” Commissioner LaTourette echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the DEP’s commitment to addressing historic injustices and holding polluters accountable.
Specific cases unveiled include a lawsuit against defendants linked to the estate of Harold Faulk regarding an illegal junkyard in Kearny, litigation against Hakim International Trading and Marketing over unlawful waste operations in Hamilton, and a motion against Spector-Woodbridge Company, LLC for non-compliance with court orders regarding waste dumping in Woodbridge.
An administrative order was also issued against Spray-Tek, operating in Middlesex Borough, demanding compliance for operating spray drying equipment without proper pollution control. They have been fined $239,700 in civil penalties and have requested a hearing.
The enforcement actions and settlements are undertaken by the Environmental Enforcement and Environmental Justice Section within the Division of Law’s Affirmative Civil Enforcement Practice Group, supported by several DEP program areas. The public is encouraged to report suspected actions impacting health or the environment using the WARN DEP app or via phone or email.
