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Latham McDonald's unlawfully dumped grease down storm drain
WRGB • • business
Key Points:
- A McDonald's crew member in Latham was caught dumping cooking oil and grease into the stormwater system, which can harm the environment and potentially affect local drinking water systems if not addressed.
- The incident was reported by a customer who notified the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), and the McDonald's area supervisor confirmed a DEC agent required cleanup by Monday.
- Colonie officials emphasized that grease should be disposed of through the sanitary sewer system, which treats waste before discharge, and the property owner must remediate the contamination and pass inspection.
- The illegal disposal violates DEC's Environmental Conservation Law and poses a risk to nearby water bodies like the Hudson River, though there is currently no immediate public health threat.
- Town officials are prioritizing cleanup, with a contractor hired to manage the grease removal, and potential judicial action may follow if remediation is not completed.
