Greene County Man Fined Over $25,000 for Illegal Stream Excavation

CATSKILL, N.Y. – A Greene County resident has paid a penalty of more than $25,000 following an investigation into the illegal excavation of several protected waterbodies in the Town of Catskill, state officials announced.

The case began on August 22, 2022, when Environmental Conservation Officers (ECOs) Palmateer and Smith responded to complaints about a stream disturbance. Witnesses reported seeing a truck hauling away material from the streambed and described where the material was being delivered.

Investigators Sherman and Sulkey later interviewed a local homeowner who had received fill material resembling stream sediment, along with other residents who said the same individual had excavated multiple protected streams in the area. Investigators also obtained a receipt and video footage showing the subject selling streambed material.

Lieutenant Nichols, Investigator Sulkey, and Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) staff inspected the affected sites, documenting the damage with measurements and photographs. The subject was subsequently issued a Notice of Violation for multiple offenses, including:

• Disturbing a protected stream

• Excavating in navigable waters

• Grading and dredging within 100 feet of a freshwater wetland

In July 2025, the case was settled through an Order on Consent, and the subject was assessed a civil penalty of $26,625.

DEC officials say the fine underscores the seriousness of stream and wetland protection laws, which are designed to preserve water quality, protect wildlife habitat, and reduce flood risks.

Illegal stream disturbance observed in Greene County

https://dec.ny.gov/news/press-releases/2025/9/environmental-conservation-police-on-patrol