The Pa. Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has assessed $131,000 in fines against three haulers for what it called numerous and persistent violations. The DEP fined Vogel Disposal Services, Mars, Pa., $83,500, Tri-County Industries, Grove City, Pa., $45,000, and Valley Waste Services, Beaver County, Pa., $2,500.

“Trash hauling companies have a responsibility to ensure public safety on the roads,” said Kelly Burch, DEP regional director, in a press release. “In a series of trash truck inspections, we repeatedly found Vogel Holding trucks with leaking loads, some without leakproof containers, and other that were in such poor repair that waste could fall through the floors of the vehicles. These conditions are a hazard to others on the road.”