Patrick Administration's 'Candid Camera' Initiative Captures Scofflaws
 MassDEP Partners with Boston, Lynn and Worcester Officials to Target Illegal Dumping

BOSTON - Video cameras installed by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), in partnership with the cities of Boston and Lynn, have captured several illegal dumping incidents, resulting in penalties and clean up costs for violators from Norton, Revere and Everett.

MassDEP's Candid Camera Initiative works with other state or local partners to install surveillance cameras in public spaces where frequent illegal dumping has occurred. There are three ongoing camera initiatives in Boston, Lynn and Worcester.

"Illegal dumping tarnishes our public spaces, diminishes our quality of life, and represents an irresponsible attempt to pass on the cost of disposal and cleanup to taxpayers," said MassDEP Commissioner Laurie Burt. "The Candid Camera Initiative brings MassDEP together with our municipal partners to shine a bright light on the scofflaws out there and hold them accountable."  

Turning a blind eye to illegal dump sites only attracts more material, including hazardous waste, asbestos, household chemicals and paints, automotive fluids, and commercial or industrial waste, Burt said. Rodents, insects, and other vermin are attracted to the debris and pose significant public health and environmental risks. Scrap tires provide an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes. The potential for negative health impacts from these dump sites is of great concern because of their accessibility, especially to children.  

"Ensuring the quality of life for Boston residents is a high priority for Mayor Menino," said Boston Inspectional Services Commissioner William Good III. "Therefore, it was a great honor for the Boston Inspectional Services Department to work with MassDEP to help catch and deter illegal dumping in our great city."

"Our partnership with MassDEP has resulted in significant enforcement efforts against illegal dumping in areas prone to the activity," said Lynn Police Lieutenant William Sharpe. "The quality of the images produced by the DEP cameras are such that the violator's face, plate number and vehicle are clearly visible: in the majority of our cases individuals have little choice but to plead guilty and incur, in many instances, significant fines, because of the quality of this evidence. Individuals contemplating illegal waste disposal should be aware that this technology greatly increases the certainty of being identified and successfully prosecuted."

The most recent incidents involved individuals who dumped material outside of the community in which they live. MassDEP penalized the following individuals: 

* Richard Brignolo of Norton: Video from a camera installed at an alleyway abutting a Park Avenue condominium building in Boston shows that on October 24, 2008, a van owned by Richard Brignolo of Norton pulls up and leaves behind five tires. The next day a total of 30 tires are found in the area. Brignolo subsequently admitted to leaving the tires. He is currently claiming financial inability to pay the $13,000 penalty imposed for the violations. 

* Luigi Russo, Ground Up Landscaping of Revere: A camera installed on Circle Avenue in Lynn reveals that on April 25, 2008, an occupant in a red truck licensed to Russo dumped bags which contained lead-contaminated soil. Russo subsequently paid to properly dispose of the material and has agreed to pay an $11,735 penalty to the Commonwealth. In addition, Russo will pay $150 to the city of Lynn. MasssDEP has agreed to suspend $7,737 of the state penalty provided Russo properly disposes of any future solid waste in accordance with state regulations. 

* Yang Phel Yangkarstang of Everett: A camera installed at the Willis Fish Pier in Lynn, which is operated by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, revealed that on six separate occasions between August 12 and 24, 2008, an occupant in a truck licensed to Yangkarstang dumped scrap wood, slate and concrete. Yangkarstang subsequently paid to properly dispose of the material and has agreed to an $8,700 penalty. MassDEP agreed to suspend $6,700 of the penalty provided Yangkarstang properly disposes of all future solid waste in accordance with state regulations. 

Launched in 2004 under MassDEP's Environmental Strike Force (ESF), the Candid Camera Initiative has expanded over the last several years, with nine other municipalities participating at various points. The web site, www.mass.gov/dep/about/organization/aboutesf.htm contains more information on the ESF. 

Those who witness illegal dumping activities or wish to anonymously report environmental crime, can call 617-556-1000; toll free at 1-888-VIOLATE; 1-888-846-5283 from outside the (617) area code; or e-mail the Environmental Strike Force at Dana.Muldoon@state.ma.us.

MassDEP is responsible for ensuring clean air and water, safe management and recycling of solid and hazardous wastes, timely cleanup of hazardous waste sites and spills, and the preservation of wetlands and coastal resources.

[A DVD containing footage of these illegal dumping activities can be obtained from MassDEP at 617-654-6523]

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