NCJ Number
113052
Date Published
1986
Length
187 pages
Annotation
This report investigates the involvement of organized crime in controlling the waste hauling industry in New York State and the economic waste caused through restraint of trade, price gouging, and bid rigging practices.
Abstract
The report focuses on New York City, Long Island, and the Mid-Hudson Valley, and discusses specific organized crime groups such as La Cosa Nostra and individual mobsters such as James Fratianno, Alfred De Marco, Thomas Milo, the Fiorillos, Louis Mongelli and others. The effectiveness of current laws and regulations in meeting increasingly stringent environmental standards are reviewed. Specifically, the Solid Waste Disposal Act of 1965, the Clean Air Act of 1970, and the Toxic Substance Control Act of 1976 are discussed. Corporate misconduct and 'risk-taking' for huge profits is examined. The performance of agencies responsible for enforcing public health and safety laws is evaluated and recommendation for resolving the problem are developed. These include a system of inspection and controls that compels accountability; adequate funding and staffing of regulating agencies; and fines and penalties sufficient to discourage 'bad actors.' Also recommended is a permitting system to eliminate those found guilty of criminal practices; and an educational and public relations program that creates a social climate that will make the public disinclined to tolerate violations.