Legoland To Pay DEC Fine For Environmental Violations

GOSHEN, NY — Legoland New York will pay a $346,000 state fine for dozens of environmental violations under an agreement reached Friday.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation has repeatedly cited the amusement park that is under construction for allowing muddy stormwater into the nearby Otterkill Creek, the Poughkeepsie Journal reported.

According to the agreement, Legoland will also contribute at least $50,000 for an environmental benefit project and allow a third party to monitor the site every day until construction is completed.

DEC Region 3 Director Kelly Turturro provided a statement to Patch that said the department was committed to holding Legoland accountable for violations of state environment laws and regulations.

"This latest enforcement action is part of DEC’s active and ongoing efforts to monitor the construction project and enforce compliance with all applicable permits, laws and regulations," she said.

The consent order, which is the third order for this site since September 2018, addresses 30 turbidity violations, two violations for insufficient erosion and sediment control and four petroleum bulk storage violations.

In a statement sent to Patch, a spokesman for Legoland New York said the order of consent with the DEC was signed to resolve outstanding concerns related to stormwater management.

"We are moving forward in compliance with all applicable requirements and look forward to opening as planned," said Matt Besterman, public relations manager for Legoland New York Resort.

Legoland New York is set to be the first theme park to open in the northeast in more than four decades.

In February, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said that outdoor amusement parks can open with a 33 percent capacity limit beginning Friday, April 9.

Legoland has not yet announced its opening date.

The 150-acre park will have more than 50 rides, shows and attractions when it opens off Route 17 in Goshen.

A 250-room, four-story hotel will also be on site.

It will be the largest of Merlin Entertinments' eight Legoland parks around the world.

EDITOR'S NOTE: This article was updated to included a statement provided by the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

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