MANORVILLE, N.Y. — A Shirley man was arrested after dumping a large boat in the Pine Barrens Core Conservation Area, Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon said.
On Feb. 5, sheriff's deputies, working with the Central Pine Barrens Commission, arrested Timothy Hughes, 35, after he dumped a 24-foot 1980 Century boat at the end of North Weeks Avenue in Manorville, Toulon said.
The boat was clearly visible from the Long Island Expressway, he added. Working with the Central Pine Barrens Commission, deputies were able to determine when the dump occurred, as well as the vehicle Hughes used to take the boat to the dump site, officials said.
Hughes turned himself in to Suffolk County Sheriff's Office deputies on Feb. 5 and was issued an appearance ticket for a city code violation. Dumping is prohibited in the Pine Barrens, Toulon said.
He was charged with violating Suffolk County Code 433-6, stating that he “knowingly flew[ed]… offensive materials or means of transportation, including but not limited to aircraft, vehicles, vessels or parts thereof” in the Suffolk County Pine Barrens, Toulon said.
The charge is a misdemeanor and carries a fine of up to $10,000, Toulon said.
The Town of Brookhaven's recycling and sustainable materials management department immediately removed the boat, the sheriff said.
Toulon praised his MPs for their hard work. “The Pine Barrens is one of Suffolk County's greatest treasures. The Suffolk County Sheriff's Office conducts routine enforcement of dumping cases in the Pine Barrens and brings bad actors to justice. I am proud of the investigative work these deputies did to help in the preservation of Pine Barren the pristine area that is.'
Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico added, “The Town of Brookhaven has invested in a variety of new technologies to capture and curb illegal dumping. There are many legal methods of dumping boats and the variety of items that are illegally dumped. in fact, Brookhaven Town residents can dispose of up to 500 pounds for free on Saturdays at the landfill.
However, he added: “Those who chose to dump illegally will be caught and prosecuted because all levels of government are now actively working together. I thank the sheriff and his deputies for their diligence and work — we appreciate their cooperation.”
