Attorney General, DEP Win Contempt Order Against North Branford Junkyard Compelling Cleanup

October 5, 2008

Attorney General Richard Blumenthal has won a contempt of court order against a North Branford junkyard compelling the owner to completely clean up the site by May 1.

Blumenthal obtained the order in cooperation with Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Amy Marella.

In addition to clearing the site of waste, the order requires owner Joseph Salg to cease accepting new materials, as well as meet specific benchmarks and submit records verifying cleanup every 30 to 60 days.

Salg also must pay $6,500 by December 31, the unpaid balance of an $8,000 fine the state imposed in 2004 for environmental violations at the site.

Blumenthal said, "The court's contempt order imposes a powerful enforcement tool that will provide strong penalties if there is failure to follow our strict and strenuous cleanup plan. The contempt order recognizes Mr. Salg's abject and appalling failure to comply with the original judgment years ago, but offers the prospect now of prompt cleanup. The cleanup approved by the court includes robust, rigorous benchmarks and oversight, ensuring complete compliance. The owner must pay the remainder of his fine, in accordance with previous court orders.

"We will vigorously and aggressively monitor progress, seeking powerful penalties -- including imprisonment -- to deter delay. We will accept no more excuses: This site must be cleared and cleansed so it no longer poses a threat to residents and the environment.

"So far fortunately, no contamination of wells has been indicated by tests done to date, but soil and water testing will continue," Blumenthal said.

Blumenthal had asked the court to imprison Salg if he failed to reach a cleanup agreement with the state.

The junkyard is located at 743 Forest Road.