Wakefield Company Fined For Asbestos Violations

The following is an announcement from the Mass. Department of Environmental Protection:

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has penalized Commonwealth Tank of Wakefield $10,887 for asbestos violations that occurred during a boiler plant demolition project conducted by the company at 285 Old Westport Road at the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth. 

On June 24, 2010, MassDEP conducted an unannounced inspection at this facility where Commonwealth Tank was demolishing an oil-tank piping tunnel. MassDEP observed how broken sections of heavy concrete had fallen onto asbestos-containing pipe insulation, and that workers had attempted to wet down the damaged area with a garden hose. Lab samples taken that day by MassDEP confirmed the presence of asbestos material in the broken insulation and caulking.

"Anyone who works on or around oil tanks, particularly the thermal-system insulation, has got to be aware of the prospect of asbestos-containing materials," said Philip Weinberg, director of MassDEP's Southeast Regional Office in Lakeville. "Commonwealth Tank workers must ensure that proper procedures are in place and carried out without exception, or else their own health and safety and anyone nearby is at risk from exposure to asbestos fibers."

Following MassDEP's inspection, the work was halted and Commonwealth Tank was required to retain the services of a licensed and certified asbestos contractor to submit for approval a plan to complete the work. On July 13, 2010, the cleanup work was completed in compliance with all applicable regulations.

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.

MassDEP is responsible for ensuring clean air and water, safe management and recycling of solid and hazardous wastes, timely cleanup of hazardous waste sites and spills, and the preservation of wetlands and coastal resources.