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EPA Settles Asbestos Case Against Redbank Valley School District

Release Date: 8/10/1999
Contact Information: David Sternberg (215) 814-5548

NEW BETHLEHEM, Pa. -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has settled a complaint against the Redbank Valley School District alleging violations of federal asbestos regulations at the Redbank Valley Junior and Senior High School, Clarion County.

In its February 9, 1999 complaint, EPA alleged that former school Superintendent R. David Farley directed school employees and volunteers, including students, to remove asbestos-containing floor tiles damaged in an August 1996 flood. Mr. Farley allegedly violated federal asbestos regulations by failing to advise the clean-up crew that the materials contained asbestos, and by not providing protective gear or air monitoring, not containing the asbestos removal area, and not notifying EPA of the removal operation. Last year, Mr. Farley was convicted by a federal jury for criminal violations of federal asbestos removal and disposal regulations.

EPA also cited the school district for record-keeping and inspection violations of federal regulations on the management of asbestos in schools.

Under the settlement agreement, the district agreed to pay a civil penalty of $51,800, including a $21,150 cash payment, with the balance credited for school funds already spent or committed for compliance with asbestos regulations. The school district neither admitted nor denied liability.

The school district cooperated in EPA’s investigation of this matter, and in the negotiated settlement of this administrative complaint.