An Illegal Dump Site in the Poconos Could Soon be Cleaned Up
By: Laurie Monteforte
Updated: February 6, 2013
Pocono Township, Mornoe County-An illegal dump site in the Poconos could soon be cleaned up.
The state has already spent about a million dollars to rehab the spot in Pocono Township - and it will take at least a million more to finish.
This five-acre property on Sullivan trail is a mess.
The owner used his yard as a dump site for years.
The Department of Environmental Protection said the owner let friends bury construction waste on the property. Right next to the dry Sawmill Run Creek.
After he died, the dumping continued.
The state hasn't been able to find anyone responsible for the property.
The owner apparently had no family take over.
And the state believes a company called L-I-G is responsible for the place.
"We don't see a face behind it. We don't know who owns that corporation; it appears to be a dummy corporation." Said Colleen Connolly of DEP
So now it's up to taxpayers to clean it up - before contamination reaches the creek.
The DEP started a project to move the creek path and clean the debris.
"But the DEP discovered a glitch in the plan, this old dilapidated building on the property is in the way, so they are going to have to knock it down."
"If we get the house out of the way, we can get to the dump pile that's on the other side of the house, dig up the dirt, or the garbage, the demolition waste underneath, have a clear path to remove it from this property and take it off the site." said Connolly
The DEP had to hold a public meeting before going ahead with the plan.
One man who attended said he doesn't want the house torn down.
"I want to keep the house there to restore the house." Said Khalid Moore of Stroud Township
"I just want it. I just want to live there."
If Khalid Moore bought
the property, the house would require extensive renovations, and may still have
to be demolished. He would also be liable for any environmental damage.
The DEP hopes to start working in the spring. It is taking public comments on the project through February
