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EPA Cites Alleged Asbestos Violations During Demolition at Former Downington Farmers Market

Release Date: 1/18/2001
Contact Information: Bonnie Smith, (215) 814-5543

Bonnie Smith, (215) 814-5543

PHILADELPHIA -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has cited four companies for allegedly violating asbestos regulations during the 1999 demolition of the former Downingtown Farmers Market and nearby residential buildings.

“EPA rules for renovation, disposal and demolition are designed to protect the public from exposure to asbestos, a dangerous air pollutant,” said Bradley Campbell, mid-Atlantic regional administrator.

EPA’s Clean Air Act complaint seeks a $173,450 penalty against real estate developer B&S Pike Associates, L.P., demolition contractor ToryPete Management, Inc., and subcontractors, Full Moon Construction Co. and Terra Environmental Contractors Inc. The demolition at 849 - 955 East Lancaster Avenue was in preparation for the construction of the Ashbridge Square Shopping Center in Chester County.

Although EPA was not properly notified of the demolition, an EPA inspector noticed the demolition while driving from one inspection to another. The inspector stopped at the site and collected asbestos-containing siding and vinyl floor tile which had been broken and crumbled during demolition activities.

In addition to not removing the asbestos-containing materials properly, a local fire company was allowed to have fire training exercises at the site. A section of the market’s floor was burned without first removing vinyl asbestos flooring, possibly releasing dangerous microscopic fibers into the air.

The complaint also alleges that B & S and ToryPete violated federal regulations during an asbestos abatement activity at a former residential building, part of the overall large project, by failing to ensure that asbestos-containing material remained adequately wet until collected and then disposed of properly as hazardous waste.

All of the parties named in the complaint have the right to a hearing to contest the alleged violations and proposed penalty.

Asbestos was once heavily used in insulation and other building materials. Intact and undisturbed asbestos does not pose a health risk. But asbestos becomes a problem when it releases fibers into the air due to damage or disturbance. Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause cancer and asbestosis, a serious respiratory disease.