Press Release  Worcester Home Improvement Contractor Assessed $51,937 Penalty for Asbestos Violations at Worcester Residential Property

Boston — The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) today announced that it has assessed a penalty of $51,937 on contractor Stephen Faro and his business, JAM Quality Home Improvement of Worcester, for violations of asbestos regulations that occurred at an occupied residential property in Worcester. 

In December 2016, MassDEP inspectors responding to a complaint inspected a renovation project being conducted by Mr. Faro and observed asbestos-containing pipe insulation that had been improperly removed from pipes in the basement of the residence. MassDEP personnel observed numerous fragments and sections of dry, uncontained friable asbestos insulation on the basement floor and in unmarked, unsealed household trash bags. After being informed of the violations, Mr. Faro was required to retain a licensed asbestos contractor to clean and decontaminate the property and to remove any remaining asbestos-containing materials in compliance with the regulations.

Mr. Faro failed to file a notification of the asbestos removal work with MassDEP and did not have the property surveyed for the presence of asbestos-containing materials before starting the renovation and asbestos removal activity, both of which are required by MassDEP regulations. State regulations also require notification to MassDEP 10 working days before commencing any asbestos removal work so that the Department is aware of the removal work and has the opportunity to conduct inspections to ensure compliance with the regulations.

“As a licensed home improvement contractor, Mr. Faro is well-aware of asbestos-containing insulation on heating systems and must ensure that those materials are properly removed by licensed personnel and handled in accordance with the regulations,” said Mary Jude Pigsley, director of MassDEP’s Central Regional Office in Worcester. “Asbestos is a known carcinogen, and following required work practices is imperative to protect workers as well as the general public. Failure to do so will result in significant penalties, as well as escalated cleanup, decontamination and monitoring costs.”

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 here.

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