Massachusetts Dept of Environmental Protection Issues Penalties for Asbestos Violations

Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has levied over $133,000 in fines against several area individuals and companies for violating the Commonwealth's air quality regulations concerning the handling and disposal of asbestos materials. The violations occurred in Chicopee, Pittsfield, Wilbraham and Holyoke.

MassDEP inspectors responded to a complaint regarding improper removal of material and equipment from the former Uniroyal complex. MassDEP found that individuals, who were allowed to enter the complex to perform salvage operations, had improperly removed asbestos-containing material and equipment from a building. The asbestos-containing material was observed outside on a loading dock. In addition, the illegal removal activities had caused releases of oil from equipment onto the ground.

A MassDEP inspector responded to a complaint of illegal disposal of asbestos at the Waste Management recycling facility on Old Boston Road in Wilbraham. Waste Management staff reported that they found what they suspected to be asbestos in a dumpster that had been rented to contractors working at a rental property on Center Street in Holyoke. Inside the dumpster, a MassDEP inspector found broken pieces of siding material known as "transite," as well as boiler components with a white residue on them. Sample analysis confirmed that both of the suspect materials contained asbestos.

MassDEP inspectors responded to a complaint regarding improper asbestos handing during renovations at Kim Properties Holding, LLC. MassDEP found that asbestos had been improperly removed and placed into open dumpsters for disposal. The company retained licensed asbestos contractors and consultants to clean up the site and test the air following the cleanup. The company agreed to pay a $10,000 penalty. An additional $5,000 was suspended during a one-year probationary period.