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Plymouth Environmental Co. to Pay $13,200 Penalty for Faulty Notification of Asbestos Removal Projects

Release Date: 5/7/2002
Contact Information: Bonnie Smith, (215) 814-5543

Bonnie Smith, (215) 814-5543

PHILADELPHIA – Plymouth Environmental Co. of Norristown, Pa., has agreed to pay a $13,200 penalty for allegedly failing to provide proper advance notice of asbestos abatement projects in Collegeville and Wawa, Pa.

Under Clean Air Act asbestos regulations, parties must provide written notification to EPA at least ten working days before the commencement of demolition or renovation projects involving asbestos removal or stripping. This rule gives EPA the opportunity to inspect ongoing asbestos projects and, if necessary, halt or correct improper work practices that might cause asbestos emissions threatening worker safety or public health.

According to EPA, Plymouth notified EPA that from May 21-25, 2001, it would be removing 300 feet of asbestos-containing pipe insulation at the Ursinus College power plant in Collegeville. However, when EPA’s inspector visited the site on Tuesday, May 22, 2001, he learned that this work was completed on Sunday, May 20.

Similarly, Plymouth notified EPA that it would remove 700 feet of asbestos-containing floor tile and 300 feet of asbestos insulation at an office building in Wawa, Pa. on October 16-19, 2001. When the inspector arrived at 12:15 p.m. on October 16, he discovered that this work commenced on October 15, and was completed about two hours before he arrived on October 16.

Clean Air Act regulations require that asbestos-containing materials that may release asbestos fibers during demolition or renovation must be adequately wetted during removal, and carefully handled to prevent emission of asbestos fibers. The rules also require that asbestos materials must remain adequately wetted, or be securely bagged or otherwise treated until disposal. 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. For more information on asbestos, regulations, and safe work practices, check out EPA’s asbestos homepage at www.epa.gov/asbestos/index.htm

As part of the settlement, the company neither admitted nor denied liability for the cited violations.