New York Attorney General Letitia James has announced a significant legal outcome against Salvatore Cascino, a former Bronx business owner, and his company Ten Mile River, LLC. The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) secured $100,000 from Cascino for illegal waste dumping in Dutchess County. Cascino had been using his property along the Ten Mile River to dispose of waste improperly, impacting sensitive freshwater wetlands.
In 2019, the OAG and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) reached a settlement with Cascino, requiring him to clean up the site and restore the wetlands. However, a DEC inspection in 2024 revealed non-compliance with this agreement. Consequently, Dutchess County Supreme Court Judge Christi Acker has mandated that Cascino complete the cleanup process and repair environmental damage. Additionally, he faces an extra penalty of $99,200 if he fails to meet deadlines.
Attorney General James stated: “Salvatore Cascino and his company broke the law and harmed some of our state’s most valuable natural areas.” She emphasized accountability for years of illegal activities involving natural resources.
DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton highlighted the impact of such violations: “Illegal dumping in wetland areas can damage the environment long after the dumping occurs.” She affirmed that holding violators accountable sends a strong message regarding New York’s stance on environmental protection.
Freshwater wetlands are vital for flood control and wildlife habitats in New York. The Freshwater Wetlands Act prohibits certain activities without DEC permits to protect these ecosystems.
The OAG initially sued Cascino for violating state laws concerning waste disposal and wetland protection. As part of their 2019 settlement, he was required to remove waste from wetlands and restore them with native plants under DEC supervision. Despite approval in 2022 for his cleanup plan, little progress was made by 2024 inspections.
Recently, an agreement was reached between OAG and Cascino to address these violations. This court-approved agreement requires compliance with cleanup efforts under DEC oversight and imposes financial penalties as necessary.
This case was managed by Senior Enforcement Counsel Andrew J. Gershon and Assistant Attorney General Max Shterngel under Environmental Protection Bureau Chief Lemuel Srolovic’s guidance within the Division for Social Justice led by Chief Deputy Attorney General Meghan Faux.
