Increased penalties at illegal wetlands dumping site

On March 9, councilman Dan Panico (center) held a press conference in the Mastic Beach wetlands at the site of an illegal dumping of demolition debris. The event was held prior to the town board meeting, where the councilman sponsored a resolution to hold a public hearing for establishing strict penalties for illegal dumping in the Town of Brookhaven. The illegal dumping in Mastic Beach occurred on Forest Road East between Washington Drive and Lincoln Drive, just one block from Narrow Bay. The pile of debris included concrete, metal and wood, along with general household trash and other items in large, black plastic bags. Panico was joined at the press conference by supervisor Ed Romaine (left) and Suffolk County Legis. Jim Mazzarella (right). The penalties announced by Panico include a minimum of $5,000 and a maximum of $10,000 and 15 days in jail. The penalty for a second occurrence will start at a minimum fine of $10,000 and go to a maximum of $20,000 and jail time. The public hearing will be held at 5:30 p.m. during the March 30 town board meeting.