DEC tickets farmer for unlawful burning of solid waste
FLORIDA — On Sept. 7, state Environmental Conservation Officers Jonathon Walraven and William Chomicki responded to a complaint of burning plastic in the village of Florida.
When the officers arrived, they saw a large plume of smoke emanating from the back side of the property and drove over to investigate.
After they got out of their vehicle, an irate farmer confronted the officers, saying he could burn as much agricultural waste as he wanted.
The two officers explained that he was entitled to burn his agricultural waste, but that being on a farm does not mean all waste qualifies as agricultural waste.
The ECOs inspected the blaze and discovered different types of metals, rubber and plastics.
With the farmer unwilling to concede his position, Chomicki read the him the section of state law that excludes plastics from being designated as agricultural waste.
The officers issued a ticket for unlawful open burning of solid waste, which will be heard in the Town of Warwick Court.