"The second bill before me today is Introductory Number 54-A, sponsored by Council Members Nelson, Fidler, Gennaro, Gentile, Gonzalez, James, Koppell, Palma, Recchia, Sanders, Williams, Lappin, Vallone, Foster, Ulrich, Brewer, Lander, Dickens, Garodnick, Reyna, Vacca, and Rodriguez.

"Introductory Number 54-A adds civil penalties for illegally dumping from a vehicle into the City's waterways.  Fines will range from $1,500 to $10,000 for the first violation and $5,000 to $20,000 for each subsequent violation.  The bill also expands the definition of "illegal dumping" to include objects discharged in or upon wharfs, piers, docks, bulkheads, slips, and navigable waterways.  The bill further adds the Departments of Small Business Services and Environmental Protection as agencies authorized, along with the Department of Sanitation, to enforce illegal dumping violations.  

"As our Administration continues to improve the conditions of our waterfronts, this legislation will help us crack down on bad actors and ensure that the City's waterfront areas and navigable waterways are as clean as possible.

"I would like to thank Sanitation Commissioner John Doherty, Small Business Services Commissioner Rob Walsh, Environmental Protection Commissioner Cas Holloway, and their staff for their work on this bill, as well as my office of City Legislative Affairs.  I would also like to thank the Council for approving this legislation."