EPA fines Winslow, Arizona $240,000 for asbestos violations

When John Roche, former city manager of Winslow, Arizona, decided to tear down some old apartment buildings without first inspecting the structures for asbestos, that was bad enough. That motivated state authorities, acting on on a tip, to halt the demolition and test the buildings in accordance with procedures outlined by the federal Environmental Protection Agency. But when the tests revealed that the buildings were in fact contaminated with asbestos, and Roche went ahead and tore down the remaining buildings and then hauled off the debris to a city dump for incineration, that was too much. That’s the sort of outrageous conduct that prompted the EPA to sue the city and the apartment complex owner for blatant violation of EPA regulations governing asbestos removal.

When asbestos building products are dislodged, dangerous asbestos fibers may be released into the surrounding breathing space. Should airborne fibers be inhaled by those in the area, they could later develop asbestosis or mesothelioma. The EPA’s regulations are in force to guard against this danger. As a result of Roche’s violations of the regulations, the City of Winslow now must pay a $240,000 fine to settle the EPA’s lawsuit.

For the full story, go to AZCentral.com.

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