In other cases, such as illegal dumping, these violations occur at non-regulated facilities and are investigated based upon a complaint or other discovery. Other violations cited could cause or allow groundwater or surface water pollution if not corrected. Surface water pollution can occur from this same liquid discharging to a stream as a nonpoint source, or from erosion and sedimentation discharging sediment from the permit area. These are perhaps the most serious violations as they can degrade water quality to the detriment of future uses of water if not promptly corrected. The combustible gas limit violation is serious because a danger of explosion increases with the build up of landfill gases, threatening landfill workers or neighbors.
Landfill gas can migrate through soil and threaten nearby structures.
DEP proposes to address these violations through a three-part program. Frequent inspections keep close tabs on permitted facilities. Inspectors instruct operators of facilities about the requirements of the regulations and monitor and review reports received on results of groundwater testing. For recalcitrant violators and violations that can result in harm to human health and the environment, or violations that result in a substantial economic benefit to the violator, DEP will initiate an enforcement action. DEP believes that by making the violations and possible harmful effects well known, it will result in a more conscious effort by the regulated community to address the problem.