(COLUMBUS, Ohio) - Attorney General Mike DeWine and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency praised the contempt order signed recently against Joseph G. Scugoza, Crossridge Landfill, and C&D Disposal Technologies immediately granting the State a $19 million judgment for stipulated penalties regarding ongoing violations at the Crossridge Landfill in Jefferson County.
After an Oct. 4 hearing in Jefferson County Common Pleas Court, the companies and Scugoza, who controls the companies, were found in contempt of a 2003 judicial order that the Crossridge Solid Waste Landfill was to be capped and closed and, among other provisions, a ground water monitoring plan be implemented.
"These companies have had repeated opportunities to correct their operations but have failed to do so," said Attorney General DeWine. "This decision shows how important it is that the laws protecting the environment and public health are followed."
"In Ohio EPA's 40 years, the Agency has succeeded in improving waste management, water quality and air quality in the state," said Ohio EPA Director Scott Nally. "As we move forward, Ohio EPA will continue to help businesses that strive to comply with and exceed environmental requirements, and we will vigorously pursue those that violate the law and compromise public health."
In the 2003 Consent Order and Final Judgment, C&D Disposal Technologies LLC agreed to act as guarantor to ensure that the Crossridge Landfill was capped and closed by Dec. 25, 2006.
In addition to the judgment for penalties, the Court ordered that within 30 days compliance with the landfill closure requirements must begin, including the implementation of the ground water plan and the explosive gas monitoring plan as previously approved by the Ohio EPA. Completion of the landfill's previously approved closure is to be accomplished within one year of the Court order.
Crossridge owns the adjacent property (3250 County Road 26 in Wintersville) on which the C&D Disposal construction and demolition debris facility is located.
C&D Disposal and Scugoza currently control the past-licensed and now unlicensed Crossridge Landfill, the unlicensed C&D Disposal Landfill, an unlawful open dump known as the "Recycling Area", a haul road and a rail unloading area. In a separate case, the State has alleged that the construction and demolition debris facility operated illegally outside of the approved limits of its past license and continued to operate after its license was denied, thus threatening the environment and public health.
Media Contacts:
Dan Tierney: 614-466-3840
Mark Moretti: 614-466-3840