MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) – Vermont natural resource officials Thursday fined a Barton man for operating an unpermitted salvage yard.
Vermont Agency of Natural Resources officials say Brent Bapp was fined $24,859.80 for storing junk cars on his property. They say staff in 2018 documented about 28 junk cars, which meets the state’s definition of a salvage yard and requires a permit. By July 2020, officials say a subsequent inspection found the cars had been cleaned up. But then by December of that year, they say Bapp was in violation again. Despite repeated warnings over the next several years, they say Bapp had up to 65 cars on site. After going to court, Bapp agreed to the fine.
“Due to the risk that salvage yards could pose to human health and the environment if they are not properly sited or operated, it is essential that they obtain all necessary permits prior to operating,” DEC Commissioner Jason Batchelder said in a statement. “Our Salvage Yard Program offers best management practices and information to operators to encourage salvage yard practices that are protective of citizens and the environment.”
Officials say Bapp has until the end of July to bring the property into compliance.