Dive Brief:

• Two separate lawsuits were filed in state Superior Court by the state of New Jersey against Richard and Marilyn Bernardi of Strategic Environmental Partners, the owner-operators of the Fenimore landfill in Roxbury, N.J.

• Charges were brought against the landfill due to accusations of defrauding the state, including failing to disclose almost $2.5 million in debt and misappropriating tipping fees in excess of $1.26 million, in addition to violating state solid waste and air pollution regulations.

• The suits were filed by the Attorney General on behalf of the Department of Environmental Protection, which took the landfill over and is seeking damages and penalties that would cover the ongoing costs of dealing with the landfill.

Dive Insight:

Fenimore already faced daily complaints related to unpleasant odors over the past year. To address the ongoing stench, a chemical solution has been sprayed onto the landfill, and equipment, including an industrial scrubber, is being utilized on site. Perhaps it will soon be safe once again for local school children to venture outside for recess.

Although charges were filed by the state, the attorney for neighbors also involved in litigation against the plant is saying the suit is for show and that the odors his clients are experiencing have intensified since the state took control of the landfill.