According to the EPA, a Vermont flooring contractor faces fines for alleged violations of the Asbestos NESHAP regulations
and Clean Air
Act. The flooring contractor has not been found guilty of any Clean Air violations as it relates to asbestos as the EPA is still
investigating. This is just a
reminder of how serious the EPA is taking asbestos as it relates to flooring. Asbestos exposure from products such as floor
coverings is known as the leading cause of mesothelioma.
Release date: 10/09/2009
Contact Information: David Deegan, (617)918–1017
(Boston, Mass. – Oct. 9, 2009) – A Vermont flooring contractor faces a penalty for alleged violations of the Clean
Air Act and the National Emission Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Asbestos, commonly known as the "Asbestos NESHAP"
regulations.
According to EPA, Morrison–Clark, Inc. of South Barre violated certain requirements of the Asbestos NESHAP when they
performed a flooring removal and replacement job, in July 2008, at the Main Street Middle School in Montpelier. The flooring
consisted of vinyl asbestos tile.
Specifically, Morrison–Clark failed to provide written notice to EPA before starting the work, to wet the asbestos
while stripping it and keep it wet until collected and contained for disposal and, also, failed to properly handle and
dispose of asbestos–containing waste that was generated. The company faces a penalty of up to $32,500 per day for the
alleged violations of the "Asbestos NESHAP" regulations.
The federal Clean Air Act and the Asbestos NESHAP requirements, promulgated under the Act, require owners and operators of
renovation operations to follow certain inspection requirements prior to beginning work and, for jobs involving regulated
asbestos-containing materials, to abide by specific notification, work practice, and waste disposal requirements.
EPA's asbestos regulations help protect workers and the public from inhaling airborne asbestos fibers. Breathing asbestos
fibers can cause lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the
chest and abdominal cavity.
Violations of Asbestos NESHAP requirements can pose significant health risks to the surrounding community, as well as to
workers conducting demolition or renovation operations. In this case, though, EPA is not aware of any specific harm or
exposure to airborne asbestos caused by the renovation.
