Three Individuals and a demolition company get convicted after demolishing building with Asbestos in place
We are frequently asked how someone knows asbestos is in place before a building is demolished or remodeled. Generally, an inspection by someone licensed to do so is required before work begins and a Notice of Intent is sent to the agency charged with EPA enforcement for that particular geographic area. So what happens if a building owner or contractor violates those requirements? Generally bad things come from doing so, but if one falsifies documents to cover their tracks, that is sure to make it worse.
Three lads in Tennessee and a demolition company have been found guilty of violating the Clean Air Act and Obstruction of Justice after they worked to tear down the Standard Coosa Thatcher Plant in Chattanooga, TN in 2004 and 2005. "Visible emissions engulfed surrounding businesses, residences, and a day-care center, potentially exposing the surrounding community to substantial quantities of asbestos" according to the EPA press release.
Sentencing is scheduled for June of this year. My bet is the fine will be significantly more than the cost would have been had they dealt with asbestos properly. Oh, and don't forget the potential of jail.
Stay tuned.
For the actual release...
www.epa.gov/compliance/resources/cases/criminal/highlights/2012/watkins-street-project-01-30-12.pdf