Environmental Source Corp. of Lawrence Assessed $18,137 Penalty
for Asbestos Removal Violations at Westborough Site

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) assessed an $18,137 penalty on Environmental Source Corporation of Lawrence for violations of state asbestos regulations.

In April 2008, MassDEP personnel responded to a complaint and conducted an inspection of an asbestos siding removal project being conducted by the company at a residence in Westborough.  MassDEP inspectors observed numerous violations at the site, and noted numerous pieces of dry, shattered asbestos-containing materials uncontained on the ground at the residence.

MassDEP regulations require that contractors wet and carefully lower asbestos-containing siding to the ground and seal the resulting wet asbestos waste into leak tight containers that have appropriate asbestos warning labels affixed to them. These work critical procedures are designed to prevent exposure of asbestos fibers to workers, abutters, building occupants, and the public.

MassDEP regulations also require advance notification of all asbestos removal work so that field staff can conduct compliance inspections to ensure the work is being properly done.
     
"Licensed asbestos contractors are fully aware that the prescribed regulatory work procedures are critical to the protection of their workers, public health and the environment," said Lee Dillard Adams, deputy director of MassDEP's Central Regional Office in Worcester. "Failure to strictly adhere to all required work practices inevitably results in significant penalty exposure and escalated cleanup, decontamination, and monitoring costs." 

Under the terms of the negotiated settlement, MassDEP assessed an $18,137 penalty, but suspended $8,637 provided the company does not have repeat violations for one year.

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

###