All News Releases By Date

 

UPPER BUCKS VOC-TECH SCHOOL SETTLES EPA ASBESTOS COMPLAINT

Release Date: 6/18/1999
Contact Information: David Sternberg (215) 814-5548

PERKASIE, Pa. -- The Upper Bucks County Area Vocational Technical School in Perkasie, Pa. and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have settled an EPA complaint involving violations of asbestos regulations. The violations occurred during a July 1997 renovation project at the school. Under the agreement, the school will pay a $20,000 penalty, spend more than $100,000 on asbestos cleanups at other area schools, and create a nature center. The school serves high school students from the Palisades, Quakertown and Pennridge school districts.

According to EPA’s January 1998 complaint, untrained school personnel stripped an estimated 561 square feet of asbestos-containing transite panels from 21 skylight wells, and an estimated 210 square feet of vinyl asbestos floor tile from the school’s graphics arts room.

The complaint alleged the school violated federal regulations by failing to give EPA prior notice of its asbestos removal activities; failing to adequately wet or contain the transite and floor tile during removal and disposal activities, and failing to have a trained employee on-site during these activities.

EPA also cited the school for violating rules on asbestos removal in schools. Specifically, EPA alleged that the school failed to follow worker safety regulations concerning warning signs, access, use of respirators and protective clothing, and other safety procedures. According to the complaint, the school failed to monitor air while stripping asbestos, and failed to provide advance notice of the asbestos removal.

In addition to the $20,000 penalty, the school has agreed to spend an additional $112,180 to fund asbestos cleanup at four schools and establish a nature center and butterfly garden at the Nedig Elementary School in Quakertown.

Asbestos is a hazardous air pollutant that was once heavily used in insulation and other building materials. Prolonged exposure and inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause cancer and asbestosis, a serious respiratory disease.

To reduce the risk of asbestos emissions, EPA’s regulations require that materials that may release asbestos fibers during demolition or renovation must be adequately wetted during removal, and carefully handled to prevent unnecessary damage. These materials must remain adequately wetted, or be securely bagged or otherwise treated to minimize asbestos exposure until disposal.

99-300