MassDEP Cites Comany for Asbestos Violations

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has levied $10,887  in fines after it improperly handled asbestos materials during a boiler plant demolition in 2010.

Commonwealth Tank of Wakefield was hired to demolish a boiler plant located the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth's campus. As it often does during projects like this, MassDEP officials conducted an unnannounced inspection of the facility on June 24, 2010 and found that broken sections of heavy concrete had fallen onto asbestos-containing pipe insulation. Lab samples confirmed that asbestos material in the broken insulation had been exposed following the fall.

As a response to the asbestos exposure discover, work on the site was immediately stopped until Commonwealth Tank submitted an approval plan with a licensed and certified asbestos contractor. The project was finally completed weeks later.

"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. "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."

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, all Sokolove Law today to learn more about pursuing a mesothelioma lawsuit.

Tags: