DEC Contact:  Erica Ringewald (518) 210-9903
PressOffice@dec.ny.gov

January 04, 2018

DEC ANNOUNCES $400,000 ENFORCEMENT ACTION AGAINST BEACH HAVEN APARTMENTS ASSOCIATES, LLC., FOR ILLICIT DISCHARGES TO CONEY ISLAND CREEK

Single Largest Penalty against Residential Building Complex for Illicit Sewage Discharge to New York Waters

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced that as part of DEC’s ongoing efforts to improve water quality in Coney Island Creek, the agency has concluded an enforcement action against Beach Haven Apartments Associates, LLC. The $400,000 fine is DEC’s single largest penalty issued to a residential building complex for illicit sewage discharges into New York City waters. Investigations into dry weather discharges to Coney Island Creek revealed that the apartment complex was illicitly discharging sewage in August 2016.

 

“At Governor Cuomo’s direction, New York State is acting aggressively to safeguard water quality across the State and making unprecedented investments to update and improve water infrastructure,” said Commissioner Seggos. “This enforcement action and penalty levied against Beach Haven Apartments Associates, LLC., will help restore Coney Island Creek and its watershed while sending a strong message to other polluters—illegally discharging sewage into New York’s waters will not be tolerated.”

 

Under an Order on Consent, Beach Haven Apartments Associates, LLC., must implement a rigorous best management practices plan to prevent any further discharges from its units to Coney Island Creek. In addition, Beach Haven Apartments Associates, LLC., will pay $400,000, $350,000 of which will go to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the American Littoral Society to implement Environmental Benefit Projects within the Coney Island Creek watershed that address water quality, green infrastructure, the creation or improvement of open space and waterfront access, ecological and recreational programs, stormwater management, and green jobs training. The remaining $50,000 will support DEC’s marine resources protection efforts.   

 

DEC continues to investigate the area’s larger sewer-shed for dry weather discharges out of storm sewers or combined sewers. If additional illicit discharges are discovered, DEC will undertake corrective measures and pursue enforcement actions when necessary. 

 

DEC encourages anyone with information on environmental crimes and violations call its 24-hour hotline, at 1-844-DEC-ECOs (1-844-332-3267). An Environmental Violation Online Form also is available on DEC's website.

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