State cracks down on illegal dumping

The state is cracking down on companies that illegally dump in the Hudson Valley.
A construction boom in New York City is generating 7.3 million tons of construction demolition debris every year, and a map shows that some of the debris is ending up in illegal dump sites in the area.
As News 12 previously reported, Rockland County officials have taken legal action against a New Jersey company for alleged illegal dumping.
"They're flouting the law, they are probably making so much money that they feel that they can do whatever they want., but they can’t," says Tom Humbach, Rockland County attorney.
The state is now getting involved in cases like this with Operation TrashNet.
The Department of Environmental Conservation has made a measurable dent in illegal dumping through the operation in the last 17 months.
"We've issued 550 tickets and charges, 40-plus trucking companies so far implicated, 53 search warrants executed, and 23 trucks seized and impounded and that is just so far," says DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos.
On Wednesday, Seggos announced recent arrests at a news conference on Long Island. He says the state is cracking down on companies trying to cut corners while disposing of construction debris in the Hudson Valley and Long Island by working with local law enforcement.
"You can’t just change the law, you can’t just change the regulations, you have to put boots on the ground," he says.
The DEC says this is an ongoing operation and they need the public's help. Illegal dumping can be reported by calling 844-332-3267.