Last summer, Benton County’s road department demolished a barn without involving the state asbestos program, hauled the debris to another location and burned it—all in violation of state environmental laws. Road department employees later cleaned up the burn site. State investigators warned the county that its actions violated state law. State officials also conducted an educational seminar for the county, ensuring that county employees knew what the environmental laws require. In its discretion, however, the state environmental agency has decided that it will not fine or otherwise take formal action against the county. In explaining the agency’s decision, officials point to the county’s cooperation and quick cleanup of the burn site, as well as the fact that, although an asbestos survey should have been done, it is unlikely that the barn debris contained asbestos. The county’s actions, although they violated the law, probably did not pose a long-term danger to the environment. In addition, Benton County appears to be a first offender of the state environmental laws, and first time offenses often receive warnings.
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