| DEP Issues 57 Environmental Violation Notices as Part of Multi-State Inspection of Waste Trucks:
503 Safety Violations Were Found Statewide (02/112) TRENTON - As part of a multi-state waste truck inspection program called TrashNet, the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today announced that 57 environmental violations were found during a random inspection of 209 vehicles in six New Jersey counties between October 21 and October 25. The DEP worked in cooperation with the NJ State Police, with both agencies issuing a total of 503 summonses statewide. "This program is a successful, concerted effort to crack down on waste-hauling vehicles found operating in violation of mechanical, safety and environmental laws," said DEP Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell. "The state requires that all waste trucks are properly registered with the DEP in order to avoid illegal hauling activities and the improper disposal of solid and hazardous wastes." The goal of Trashnet is to ensure compliance with highway safety and environmental regulations. In New Jersey, inspectors conducted vehicle safety and weight checks, emissions tests, confirmed proper registration, driver credentials and proper placarding and markings. Inspectors also checked for appropriate safety tarps or covers on the trucks, and the mandatory outfitting of fire extinguishers and spill kits. Proper identification and documentation of the source of the waste were also reviewed. TrashNets were conducted in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. In addition to issuing summonses for 503 violations, the State Police's Commercial Carrier Safety and Diesel Emission's units ordered 37 vehicles out of service for major safety violations, including steering, suspension and/or brake violations. An additional four drivers were ordered to cease operations, and 18 vehicles were cited for hauling too much weight. The New Jersey DEP has partnered with the State Police and participated in the TrashNet program since 1999. This year's random inspections were conducted in Atlantic, Cape May, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer, Somerset and Warren counties. Inspections were conducted along Interstate 80 West, Interstate 78 West, the New Jersey Turnpike Exits 7 and 7A, and at the Atlantic County Landfill, Bridgewater Resources Transfer Station, Cape May Landfill and the Gloucester County Resource Recovery Facility. The 57 environmental violations were for illegal solid waste activities, including improper vehicle registration and markings. No significant hazardous waste violations were cited, and the State Police - in coordination with the DEP- issued the summonses for air emissions violations. For additional information regarding State Police activities call Lieutenant Albert Della Fave at 609-882-2000, ext. 6514. | 
