SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y. — Two men were arrested for illegally dumping construction waste and household debris in the Long Island Central Pine Barrens, a protected natural area, Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced.
Charles Weiss, 32, of Coram, and Marvin Sandoval, 28, of Ronkonkoma, were charged with violating Suffolk County’s Evergreen Law, which was enacted to safeguard environmentally sensitive areas from pollution.
The debris was allegedly discarded in a remote wooded area within the Pine Barrens, which play a critical role in Long Island’s ecosystem and water supply. Officials emphasized the fragility of the region and the importance of preserving it.
“The Long Island Pine Barrens are necessary to the health of our ecosystem, but at the same time, are incredibly fragile,” said Tierney. “I am fully committed to preserving our natural heritage and will take any and all actions necessary to deter and defend against pollution.”
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine echoed the sentiment, stating, “Any person who is caught dumping trash or any other debris in our county parks will face the full strength of the law.”