New Hampshire Company Assessed $18,312 Penalty
for Asbestos Removal Violations in Worcester

The Accolade Environmental Contracting Corporation of Kingston, N.H., has been assessed $18,312 in penalties by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) for asbestos regulation violations at Liberty Properties, located at 6 New Bond Street in Worcester. 

In August of 2006, MassDEP personnel conducted an inspection of an asbestos removal project at the Liberty Properties building that was being conducted by the company. MassDEP staff observed that the company had failed to adequately seal the work area and had not employed adequate air filtration units while conducting the asbestos removal work. MassDEP regulations require that asbestos removal contractors properly seal work areas and use air filtration equipment to prevent the exposure of asbestos fibers to building occupants, the general public, and preclude other parts of the building from becoming contaminated. 

In a recently finalized consent order, the company agreed to pay a $10,000 penalty to the Commonwealth and follow proper procedures for asbestos removal in the future. MassDEP agreed to suspend the remaining $8,312 penalty, pending compliance with the order and provided that the company does not have repeat violations for one year.

"Licensed asbestos contractors must be aware that strict adherence to the required regulatory abatement practices is crucial to protect their workers, as well as the public health and environment," said Martin Suuberg, director of MassDEP's Central Regional Office in Worcester. "Failures to adequately seal an asbestos removal containment area and utilize sufficient air filtration equipment are serious violations that will result in significant penalty exposure, as well as increased cleanup, decontamination and monitoring costs." 

Property owners or contractors with questions about asbestos-containing materials, notification requirements, proper removal, handling, packaging, storage and disposal procedures, or the asbestos regulations are encouraged to contact the appropriate MassDEP regional office for assistance.

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