State: $450K in fines pending in dumping crackdown

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- New Jersey's crackdown on illegal dumping at state parks and recreational areas is adding up.

The Department of Environmental Protection began the campaign six months ago and released its latest numbers Friday.

It says the program has yielded $30,000 in court-ordered fines and more than $450,000 in pending fines.

Among those caught was a Jersey City man charged with dumping 50 bags of construction debris at Liberty State Park, and an Egg Harbor City woman charged with disposing large amounts of household trash at Wharton State Forest in Hammonton. Both face fines up to $25,000.

The dumping crackdown began in late March and involves the DEP, state park police and conservation officers. Motion-sensor cameras have been set up in select state parks and wildlife management areas to help nab violators.

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