In just the last three and a half years, State University of New York (SUNY) at New Paltz and/or contractors working at the school have received 17 citations from state asbestos inspectors for improper asbestos removal. These violations include not having a proper license for asbestos removal, not conducting required air sampling, not following proper procedures for hazardous waste removal and not having workers in protective clothing. SUNY representatives and even some state officials dismiss the violations as “typical,” “garden-variety,” “technical” or “minor.” Since being cited for having employees handle asbestos without proper licensing, training or gear, SUNY New Paltz has obtained its own asbestos-removal license and trained employees to deal with asbestos when needed. Some students have been concerned recently about possible asbestos exposure during building repairs (see related story), but inspectors found no violations when they visited the worksite.
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