West Springfield Company Fined $10,000 for Illegal Asbestos Disposal

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has assessed a $10,000 penalty to New England Lumber Specialties, Inc. (NELS) for violations of the Commonwealth's solid waste management regulations at its Day Street manufacturing facility in West Springfield.

MassDEP received a complaint in May 2008 alleging improper disposal activities had occurred at the property in 2005. The complaint alleged that asbestos panels had been buried behind the building, and that the area had subsequently been paved over. Excavation of the area revealed large amounts of panels containing asbestos.

NELS completed excavation and proper disposal of the materials in December 2008. The company will also pay a $10,000 penalty for the violations.

"MassDEP's regulations are very prescriptive regarding the proper handling and disposal of asbestos-containing wastes," said Michael Gorski, director of the MassDEP's Western Regional Office in Springfield.

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.  More information on asbestos, including health effects, can also be obtained from MassDEP's web site: http://www.mass.gov/dep/air/asbguid.htm

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