Inspectors documented \u201cunconfined emissions were observed migrating off-site north of the tipping area where trucks were being loaded with material.”<\/p>\n
That finding directly supports what nearby business owners have been reporting for months, some for years.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The report says the emissions were coming from active operations \u2014 including truck loading and heavy equipment activity \u2014 without adequate dust control measures.<\/p>\n
Inspectors noted that \u201ca bulldozer was loading material without reasonable precaution\u2026 no water application was observed, and the particulate matter was migrating off-site.\u201d<\/p>\n
The facility is required under state rules to prevent this type of off-site pollution.<\/p>\n
According to a DEP spokesperson, they have sent a “Compliance Assistance Offer” to Coastal, outlining the violations that the company must respond to.<\/p>\n
One of the most significant findings involved the facility\u2019s dust suppression system.<\/p>\n
According to the report, sprinklers along part of the property were not operating due to a broken pipe. Despite the issue, operations were underway until they were halted during the inspection.<\/p>\n
Before even entering the site, inspectors documented dust in the surrounding area.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The report notes a \u201cfine layer of particulate matter\u2026 on cars along Houchin St, Washington St, and Seward Ave, specifically the side facing the direction of the facility.\u201d<\/p>\n
Weather data also supported the finding, with wind conditions consistent with dust traveling off-site.<\/p>\n
Additionally, DEP identified an administrative issue related to the facility\u2019s operating name and permit status.<\/p>\n
A shift from earlier inspections<\/p>\n
The findings mark a significant change from previous inspections.<\/p>\n
Earlier this year, DEP told WINK Investigates it had not observed dust leaving the property during site visits \u2014 despite ongoing complaints from neighbors.<\/p>\n
This latest inspection is the first time the agency has formally documented a violation tied to dust leaving the facility.<\/p>\n
Months of complaints from neighbors<\/p>\n
WINK Investigates first began reporting on the issue in November.<\/p>\n
Neighbors and business owners have repeatedly described dust coating their properties and raising concerns about long-term health impacts.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cI feel like I\u2019ve smoked three packs a day,\u201d said business owner Joseph Barbara back in November.<\/p>\n
After learning about the inspection results, Barbara said:<\/p>\n
\u201cI believe, my first reaction some relief. It’s it’s been such a hard battle, feeling that we’ve been talking to, you know, deaf ears\u2026 finding this facility is in violation is absolutely polluting us on the daily\u2026 it\u2019s relieving to hear that they’ve at least made that apparent.\u201d<\/p>\n
Still, he says uncertainty remains.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, they found them where they are not in compliance. They are polluting the air\u2026 what\u2019s the next step? \u2026 how do we go from here?\u201d<\/p>\n
Other nearby business owners say the report confirms what they\u2019ve experienced for years.<\/p>\n
\u201cFinally, you know, finally, something is being done. And I think it’s about time,\u201d said Gretchen Rice. \u201cWe\u2019re just hopeful that they\u2019ll continue and follow through and actually make them mitigate and do something about the dust that\u2019s affecting all of us.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The inspection comes after months of reporting by WINK Investigates \u2014 including independent testing that found materials like fiberglass in the dust<\/a>.<\/p>\n