Press Release  MassDEP Fines Paving Company for Asbestos Violations at a Motel and Residence in Auburn

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has issued a $97,226.88 penalty to New England Paving Services, LLC, for violations of state asbestos regulations at a motel and a residence in Auburn.   

In response to a complaint, MassDEP inspected the residence and observed a large amount of construction debris, including wood, cinder blocks, flooring, and wall materials, along the property and extending into the backyard. New England Paving Services indicated that the material was being used as fill and originated from a motel the company had recently demolished.  

Laboratory analysis confirmed the presence of asbestos in black mastic on the cinderblocks found in the fill pile at the residence, as well as in the remaining demolition debris at the motel site. MassDEP ordered New England Paving Services to stop work immediately and required hiring of a licensed asbestos contractor to properly clean and decontaminate the affected areas of both properties.  

“Contractors doing demolition work need to be aware of the requirements to identify asbestos-containing materials and ensure that those materials are safely handled once identified,” said John Beling, director of MassDEP’s Central Regional Office in Worcester.  “Contractors must follow all inspection requirements and work practices to protect workers and the public because exposure to asbestos can cause cancer. In this case, violation of the asbestos regulations has resulted in significant penalties, as well as escalated cleanup and decontamination costs.”  

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

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