MassDEP Assesses $37K Penalty to Jamaica Plain Company for Asbestos Violations

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection has penalized a Jamaica Plain company for violating asbestos regulations that took place at a residence in Worcester, MassDEP announced Friday.

The penalty of $37,625 to JP-based Crestline Weatherization and Construction, LLC was issued as a result of a November 2012 site visit during which MassDEP inspectors observed asbestos-containing insulation had been “improperly removed from a boiler and heating pipes,” according to MassDEP.

The inspection came after MassDEP received complaints from Worcester Code Enforcement, and resulted in the finding of “dry, friable asbestos-containing insulation contained on the basement floor.” Moreover, Crestline allegedly did not notify MassDEP before conducting asbestos removal work as required by regulations, officials said.

“Home improvement contractors are well aware that there are specific work practices that must be followed when removing and handling asbestos-containing materials and that this work must be done by licensed companies and trained personnel,” Lee Dillard Adams, director of MassDEP’s Central Regional Office in Worcester, said in a statement. “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 penalties, as well as escalated cleanup, decontamination and monitoring costs.”

For more, head over to the MassDEP website >>

Photo Credit: MassDEP