Four non-profit organizations received contributions totaling $25,000 as part of a settlement negotiated by the Attorney General's Environmental Crimes Section to help support environmental programs and services in Northumberland County.

Attorney General Tom Corbett was joined by representatives from non-profit organizations and local officials to explain how this money will make an impact locally.

On July 31, 2006, Martin Winnick, owner of Winnick's Auto Sales and Parts Recycling in Coal Township, was charged with illegally dumping and burying approximately 4,400 tons of solid waste on his business property and on adjoining property belonging to the Susquehanna Coal Co.

General Corbett said that on February 28, Winnick entered a negotiated guilty plea to three counts of unlawfully dumping solid waste and operating a solid waste disposal facility without a permit. Winnick was ordered to pay a $75,000 fine - $25,000 for each criminal violation - to the Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) Solid Waste Abatement Fund.

In addition, General Corbett said the court ordered Winnick to make a $25,000 contribution to non-profit organizations.

"My office is committed to investigating and prosecuting violators of our state's environmental laws," Genreal Corbett said. "It is important that we hold all violators - large or small - accountable for their actions, and ensure that settlement funds are channeled into conservation, education, and public safety efforts that will benefit all Pennsylvanians."

The money, including interest, is being divided between four organizations and will support various community efforts and environmental projects:

· Shamokin Creek Restoration Alliance will receive $7,500 to help clean up the acid mine drainage that has polluted the Shamokin Creek watershed;

· PA Cleanways of Northumberland County will receive $7,500 to help eliminate illegal dumping and littering through cleanups, roadway adoptions, and educational programs;

· PA Clean & Beautiful Fund, Inc. will receive $7,500 to promote a litter-free Pennsylvania; and

· Northeast Environmental Enforcement Project will receive $2,500 to provide education and training for environmental crimes enforcement.

For more information, visit Attorney General Tom Corbett’s website.

8/17/2007