AKS Recycling Inc. Assessed $1,860 Penalty for Violating
Asbestos Management Requirements at Fitchburg Facility

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) assessed a $1,860 penalty on AKS Recycling, Inc. for violating Solid Waste Management regulations at its municipal solid waste/construction and demolition debris processing facility located at 15 Cobbler Drive in Fitchburg.

On October 26, 2007, MassDEP staff inspected the facility and determined that the company could not produce copies of third party analytical reports for asbestos-containing materials as required in its operating permit. The permit requires AKS Recycling to retain a third party licensed independent asbestos inspector to conduct inspections and sampling of incoming construction and demolition materials, and to submit a report to AKS on a bi-monthly basis. The facility has since come into compliance by retaining a third party licensed inspector and submitting the required reports.

In addition to paying a $1,860 penalty, AKS must also perform a supplemental environmental project (SEP) requiring the development of 2,000 brochures focusing on MassDEP's asbestos regulations. The brochures will help inform contractors and homeowners who are taking out building permits how to properly handle asbestos-containing materials.

 "MassDEP is pleased that appropriate procedures have been implemented at the AKS facility to assure compliance with MassDEP's solid waste regulations," said Martin Suuberg, director of MassDEP's Central Regional Office in Worcester. "The Supplemental Environmental Project will also help educate homeowners and contractors on the proper handling practices for asbestos."

###