The Silver Springs, Md.-based Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA), has joined the fight to prevent unregulated rail yard waste facilities from disregarding state and local environmental laws. In conjunction with 10 municipal associations and trade groups and local New Jersey governments, SWANA argues that an open-air waste facility in North Bergen, N.J., which operates without a permit from the state Department of Environmental Protection, is in violation of federal transportation regulations. According to a report released by the organization, the permits are needed to enforce the regulations for environmental and public health protection.

The Federal Surface Transportation Board (STB), which regulates rail operations, is expected to make a ruling in the case in five to seven months.