Developer pleads not guilty to Willamette Industries air pollution charges
A developer in Eugene, Oregon – Dan Desler – has pleaded not guilty on all air pollution violation charges resulting from the demolition of the Willamette Industries mill in Sweet Home in 2007 and 2008. Desler was charged in April with a total of 10 first- and second-degree air pollution charges, which are Class B and C felonies.
Allegedly, Desler neglected to have an asbestos survey completed, and he did not provide a written notification to the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) regarding asbestos abatement before demolition began. Demolition proceedings stopped in February 2008 with the discovery of large amounts of asbestos, which had been left exposed to the elements in an area surrounded by homes. In the fall of 2008, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) spent a month and more than $1 million to stabilize and remove 4 million pounds of asbestos debris. While the EPA paid for the removal, they are seeking reimbursement from the trust headed by Desler, which manages the site.
For the full story, go to Albany Democrat-Herald.
