MassDEP Penalizes Dartmouth Demolition Contractor
Reis Asphalt $8,090 for Asbestos Violations

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) penalized a Dartmouth demolition contractor, Reis Asphalt Inc., $8,090 after the company violated state regulations in demolishing a single-family residence in New Bedford.

During an inspection of the site on October 24, 2007, MassDEP found Reis failed to remove asbestos transite shingles, as required, and transported 10 yards of mixed demolition and asbestos transite shingles in violation of state regulations.

“By not removing these shingles first, the company’s demolition activities rendered these asbestos materials friable – or airborne – in a densely-populated urban residential area,” said David Johnston, acting director of MassDEP’s Southeastern Regional Office in Lakeville. “Every contractor needs to act responsibly where public health is concerned and have the foresight to see that certain activities could have an impact on the surrounding general public.”

MassDEP regulations require the removal of all asbestos-containing materials from buildings must be done using proper removal and disposal practices. For most buildings scheduled for demolition – commercial, industrial, institutional or residential with 20 or more units – a written notification of these demolition activities is required.

Additionally, MassDEP strongly recommends that building owners or contractors planning to demolish any building older than 1980 should hire a licensed asbestos inspector to inspect the structure prior to demolition in order to identify and remove any asbestos-containing material.

During enforcement discussions, Reis properly disposed of all the asbestos-containing material and provided copies of receipts and manifests to MassDEP.

Under the agreement, Reis will pay $2,023 to the Commonwealth and conduct a Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP). Under this SEP, Reis will provide asbestos training for its employees in order to avoid any similar violations in the future. MassDEP has agreed to suspend $6,067 of the penalty pending full completion of the SEP.

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