DEEP Drops Unresolved Goshen Junkyard Case, Leaving It to Town Enforcement

GOSHEN — Goshen town officials have confirmed that material was buried at Ike’s Auto Body on North Goshen Road following reports of illegal dumping on the property, but they still don’t know what it is or whether it’s hazardous. 

"We know that material was buried at the property in question, however we have not been advised by the property owner what that material is and whether it is considered municipal solid waste or if any of it is hazardous waste," Land Use Enforcement Officer Marissa Wright wrote in an emailed statement. 

The property owner continues to communicate with the town on the issue, according to Wright. The Inland Wetlands Commission has asked the owner's wetland scientist, Martin Brogie, for a more thorough report, after his previous submission did not include a survey of the entire property or a map of the area near the disposal site. 

Wright said commissioners have been holding off on a site visit until that additional information is provided, and a previous cease-and-desist order remains in effect. 

“This issue appears to be under wetlands jurisdiction; however, we have not yet received the full report requested from the property owner and their Wetland Scientist to confirm that assumption,” Wright said, adding that the Town is “following up regularly.” 

Meanwhile, the State Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) officials said they’re still waiting to hear back from the town on next steps. 

In a July 1 emailed statement, DEEP spokesman Bill Flood said the agency "has requested additional information from the town regarding the property and allegations made but DEEP has not yet received any follow up information from the town." 

“As noted [previously], the town might be able to pursue enforcement of their local ordinances,” Flood told The Goshen News. 

The case dates back to complaints DEEP received in the fall of 2025. One resident reported trucks entering and leaving the site on Oct. 30 without specifying an address or saying whether material was being brought in or hauled away. A second complaint on Nov. 15 alleged dumping at the rear of the property.

State inspectors who visited Nov. 20 found the property unoccupied but noted heavy equipment and dumpsters holding vehicle parts and tires — activity Flood described as consistent with a junkyard and vehicle maintenance operation. Inspectors could not confirm at that point that any waste had been buried on site.

DEEP and its Waste Engineering and Enforcement Division (WEED) closed out that investigation this spring following an April 9 meeting with Goshen First Selectman Seth Breakell and Robert Rubbo, Torrington Area Health District Public Health Director. The agency concluded that photos and video submitted by neighbors did not meet the legal standard required to pursue enforcement.

"These findings do not preclude the town taking enforcement based on their land use laws," Flood previously noted. 

Breakell could not be reached for comment on this story.