Press Release  AG's Office Secures $325,000 Settlement Against Two Brockton-Based Demolition Companies for Improper Asbestos Abatement at Former Sullivan Courthouse in Cambridge

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office (AGO) announced today that the Suffolk Superior Court has approved a consent judgment against JDC Demo & Abatement LLC -- formerly known as NewRoads Environmental Services, LLC -- and JDC Demolition Company, Inc. (collectively, “JDC”) resolving allegations that the companies violated the Massachusetts Clean Air Act and state asbestos regulations during the removal of asbestos-contaminated debris from the former Edward J. Sullivan Courthouse in Cambridge without using proper removal, handling, and storage practices.  

Under the terms of the agreement, JDC will pay $325,000 in penalties to the Commonwealth. Of that amount, $50,000 may be suspended for two years, contingent upon JDC’s full compliance with all of the terms of the Consent Judgment, including enhanced reporting standards and training requirements. Of the settlement funds, $137,500 will be deposited into the Massachusetts Environmental Justice Trust to support on-the-ground projects that address environmental harms in disadvantaged communities across the Commonwealth.   

The Consent Judgment arose out of the AGO’s enforcement action against JDC, as the project demolition contractor, John Moriarty and Associates, as the project general contractor, and TRC Companies, as the project asbestos consultant, alleging that the companies violated the Massachusetts Clean Air Act and asbestos regulations during the partial demolition of the former Edward J. Sullivan Courthouse. The AGO alleged that the defendants failed to follow proper handling procedures for asbestos-containing materials by illegally causing or allowing the asbestos-containing materials to co-mingle with general demolition debris and become exposed to ambient air. They also allegedly failed to properly secure contaminated debris for safe transport, storage, and disposal. This illegal work not only put the health and safety of the public and the environment at risk, but also, potentially caused harm to the defendants’ employees and contractors. 

 The AGO previously reached settlements with TRC Companies, Inc. and John Moriarity. Under the terms of those agreements, TRC agreed to pay a $110,000 penalty -- with $25,000 suspended -- $42,500 of which was deposited into the Environmental Justice Trust, and Moriarty agreed to pay a $225,000 penalty, $112,500 of which was deposited into the Environmental Justice Trust. 

Asbestos is a hazardous material and known human carcinogen regulated under the Clean Air Act. It is used as fireproofing in a wide variety of building materials, from roofing and flooring, to siding and wallboard, to caulking and insulation, and is especially prevalent in older construction. If asbestos is improperly handled or maintained, fibers can be released into the air and inhaled, devastating the lungs, causing scarring, malfunction, and potentially life-threatening illnesses, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Once disturbed, asbestos fibers can remain airborne and therefore breathable for up to 72 hours. Because of the serious health risks associated with asbestos, there is no safe level of exposure. 

The AGO is committed to using all the tools at its disposal to ensure that every Massachusetts resident can live in healthy and safe communities. If you believe that you may have been exposed to asbestos at work, home, school, or in public, please file a report with MassDEP, or call the AGO at 617-727-8400. 

The Environmental Justice Trust was established in 2024 and supports projects that address environmental harms in disadvantaged communities across the Commonwealth. Funded through civil penalties obtained in judgements and settlements by the AGO’s Environmental Protection Division, the Trust benefits community health by addressing economic, environmental, and health-related burdens. 

The case was handled by Deputy Division Chief Lou Dundin and Assistant Attorney General John S. Craig of the AGO’s Environmental Protection Division with assistance from MassDEP Northeastern Region Regional Counsel Colleen McConnell, Air and Waste Bureau Deputy Regional Director John MacAuley, Asbestos Program Chief Grady Dante, and Environmental Analyst and Asbestos Inspector Andrew Danikas.  

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