DEC Announces Enforcement Action Against Keen Equities, LLC, for Environmental Violations in South Blooming Grove
Clovewood Estates Developers Fined $228,000 for Violations Including Water Quality, Impacts to Threatened Species, and Construction Without Required Permits
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Regional Director Kelly Turturro today announced the execution of an Order on Consent against Keen Equities, LLC, for violations at the Clovewood residential development construction site in South Blooming Grove, Orange County. The Order assesses a significant civil penalty of $228,007, with $150,000 payable and $78,007 suspended if Keen complies with the terms of the Order, and requires all work at the site to stop, with the exception of site soil stabilization work, until the developer obtains the required DEC permits.
"DEC is committed to holding violators accountable for damaging the environment and, for months, Keen Equities ignored the requirements necessary to protect water quality and habitat," DEC Regional Director Kelly Turturro said. "DEC's enforcement action is the latest step in New York State's efforts to bring this site into compliance, and our staff will continue to closely oversee this site to ensure the consent order and our stringent laws and regulations are followed."
DEC has recorded ongoing violations at 505 Clove Road in the village of South Blooming Grove since May 2022. DEC issued several Notices of Violation that included Cease and Desist directives. The Consent Order addresses violations of the Environmental Conservation Law (ECL) and its implementing regulations for:
- adverse impacts to habitat for a threatened species (timber rattlesnake);
- engaging in construction activities without the required DEC Permits; and
- violating water quality standards for turbidity.
To protect human health and the environment, DEC will ensure site compliance with regular site visits and the issuance of additional violations when warranted.
