Legislators Try to Crack Down on Illegal Dumpers

TRENTON — Following the nationally publicized medical waste wash ups on Cape May County beaches this summer and the subsequent arrest of a Pennsylvania dentist, local legislators want to get tougher on illegal dumping.
To that end, Assemblymen Nelson Albano and Matthew Milam (both D-1st) recently introduced a pair of bills that strip New Jersey medical licenses and double fines for those who illegally dump medical waste in state waters.
The Borough of Avalon was forced to close its beaches four times during the week prior to Labor Day weekend beginning Aug. 23 when waste allegedly dumped at sea washed ashore along a one-mile stretch of beach at the north end of Avalon. The waste included approximately 300 “Acuject” dental-type needles, 180 cotton swabs, and a number of blue and white plastic capsules used to hold filling material for dental work.
At a Sept. 5 press conference, state Attorney General Anne Milgram, Cape May County Prosecutor Robert Taylor, and Avalon Police Chief David Dean announced that Thomas W. McFarland Jr., 59, of Wynnewood, Pa., was charged with two third-degree crimes of unlawful discharge of a pollutant and unlawful disposal of regulated medical waste, which carry a maximum sentence of five years in prison and fines of up to $50,000 and $75,000 respectively, according to a release.
According to officials, McFarland, who owns a summer home in Avalon Manor, admitted dumping the waste in Townsends Inlet, just north of Avalon, on Aug. 22.
“New Jersey beaches are one of our most precious natural resources and one of our most powerful engines for economic growth through tourism,” Milam said in a video regarding the new legislation. “So when beaches are forced to close thanks to illegally dumped medical waste washing ashore, the impact is felt by more than just bathers.”
Waste also washed ashore on Ocean City, Sea Isle City and Upper Township beaches.
“Polluters who foul our beaches should pay dearly for tarnishing the Jersey Shore’s reputation,” Albano added.
As introduced on Oct. 6, the first bill (A-3270) called for the permanently revocation of license of health professional for illegal disposal of medical waste.
On Oct. 23, however, the Assembly Regulated Professions Committee changed the language of the bill to require license suspension of certain health care professionals and medical waste facilities, generators and transporters for willful illegal or improper medical waste disposal.
The second bill (A-3270) was introduced on Oct. 6 and referred to Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee. It would double the dumping fines to $100,000 per day.
Albano and Milam’s First District legislative partner Sen. Jeff Van Drew introduced identical bills in the Senate.
Contact Hart at (609) 886-8600 Ext 35 or at: jhart@cmcherald.com