North Branford fed up with the junk

North Branford (WTNH) - Neighbors in North Branford are fed up with a junkyard and they're hoping the Attorney General will help them take action.

"To organize to a point to have to have one of our neighbors chastised and sent to jail is a tough decision," said Ronald Sienna of North Branford.

The action comes after eight years of "back and forth" between property owner Joseph Salg and local and state officials.

Salg was cited numerous times, even ordered to stop the business of dismantling cars and selling the parts. Now, Attorney General Richard Blumenthal is taking him to court.

"You know, putting someone in prison is not ordered lightly," said Attorney General Blumenthal. "The message here is repeated defiance of the law; you pay the price, even prison."

It's not just what you can see; it's what is seeping into the ground, including hazardous materials. Nearby wells have been tested but so far, no pollutants have been found in the well water.

"The concern mostly really is about the health of my neighbors, of the townspeople," said Michael Ferrucci of North Branford.

The junkyard owner's brother said threats won't make a difference.

"To throw him in jail, fine him -- can't get blood out of stone," said Bill Salg.

But neighbors have had enough.

"He was given opportunities to clean up and he ignored them," Sienna said.

The property owner also owes thousands in unpaid taxes but the town manager said the town doesn't want to take the property because then it would be responsible for cleaning it up.