Press Release  MassDEP Penalizes Melissa MacDonald Contracting LLC for Asbestos Violations in Maynard Renovation

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has fined Melissa MacDonald Contracting LLC $82,170 for multiple asbestos violations that occurred during the renovation of a residential duplex in Maynard. 

MassDEP inspected the duplex and discovered asbestos-containing siding on the ground of the property and on the sidewalk. Melissa MacDonald, doing business as Melissa MacDonald Contracting LLC, failed to conduct an asbestos survey of the inside and outside of the duplex, as required by law. The company did not notify MassDEP before the start of the project and failed to follow the required work practices for removing and handling asbestos-containing materials.

"Contractors must follow state regulations and procedures to properly identify and ensure the safe removal of asbestos-containing materials," said Mary Jude Pigsley, Director of MassDEP’s Central Regional Office in Worcester. "Exposure to asbestos can cause cancer. It is imperative to follow asbestos removal requirements in order to protect workers, residents, and the public. and failure to follow the requirements will result in significant penalties."

In addition to the penalty imposed on Melissa MacDonald Contracting LLC, the duplex owner hired a different licensed asbestos contractor to clean and decontaminate all affected areas of the property and to dispose of the remaining asbestos-containing waste material properly. 

The Department of Environmental Protection is responsible for the safe management of solid and hazardous waste and the timely cleanup of hazardous waste sites and spills. Property owners or contractors with questions about asbestos-containing materials, notification requirements, the proper removal, handling, packaging, storage and disposal procedures, or asbestos regulations are encouraged to contact the appropriate MassDEP Regional Office for assistance.

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