The following is from the Notice of Violation sent today to Christopher St. Lawrence, Leonard Jackson engineering group overseeing the project, and the Town of Ramapo:

"At the time of the inspection, sediment was discharging from the detention pond into the receiving water resulting in a contravention of New York State Quality Standards in the receiving water.

In addition, it appeared that a portion of the detention pond had been filled in. This was also observed by Environmental Conservation Officer Nicholas Desotelle on March 5, 2011. At the time of ECO Desotelle's inspection, the pond was being filled in. This is not in accordance with the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan

The approved phasing plan and stabilization schedule [are] not being followed. Construction in phases two, three, and four is occurring simultaneously. This is a violation of the Environmental Conservation Law."

The list of violations also includes the following deficiencies:

1. Construction entrances must be maintained.
2. Silt fence must be maintained.
3. Slope on the outside and inside of the detention pond are failing and are not properly stabilized.
4. The slope on the west side of the site is failing and is not properly stabilized.
5. Any areas not under active construction for 14 days must be stabilized.

The letter orders, "These deficiencies should be corrected immediately. This department is ordering a stop to all construction activities. Failure to abide by this Stop Work Order will result in additional penalties under the Environmental Conservation Law (up to $37,500 per day per violation)." And the letter ends, "Please submit a copy of the Stormwater Pollution Plan by March 25, 2011."

With recent cost overruns that have reached $1million a week, it is shocking that this is the quality of work that is being charged to the taxpayers. Apparently, St. Lawrence's mad rush to meet deadlines in June has cancelled, in his mind, the need to observe clean water and other environmental laws.

Work will not be able to continue at the site until the Stormwater plan is submitted and the violations are fixed. Then another inspection will be required.

A similar Stop Work Order was issued against the ballpark project on October 12, 2010.