PA Man Burned Demolished Buildings in Ulster County, DEC

A man from Pennsylvania pled guilty and was fined nearly $2,000 for the illegal burning of building materials.

On Dec. 14, ECO Jeannette Bastedo responded to a complaint of an illegal open burn in the town of Hurley.

Upon arrival, the ECO met with the Hurley Fire Chief and New York State Police. Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp., also responded because the fire was near electric lines and the utility needed to cut power to the property.

The joint investigation determined that someone intentionally set fire to portions of a demolished building on the property to dispose of the building. Further investigation revealed that other buildings on the property were also being demolished and possibly burned.

Pennsylvania resident Kenneth Coulter was charged with the prohibited open burn of non-exempt materials and illegal disposal of solid waste. Coulter was immediately arraigned in the Town of Hurley Court and offered a plea deal.

He pleaded guilty to two lower violations of the state Environmental Conservation Law and was fined $1,600.

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