New Mexico contractor fined $225k for asbestos violations
Gerald A. Martin Ltd. of Albuquerque, New Mexico served as the general contractor during the 2007 demolition of a school dormitory of the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Holbrook, Arizona. The contractor has agreed to pay $225,000 in penalties assigned by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and Arizona Attorney General’s Office for asbestos violations that took place during the demolition.
During the demolition, a subcontractor began the demolition of the dormitory, during which time asbestos-containing materials were disturbed. As the general contractor, Gerald A. Martin Ltd. was responsible for ensuring that asbestos removal and handling procedures had been followed prior to the building being demolished. An Order of Abatement was issued to the contractor in August 2007, and Gerald A. Martin Ltd. spent nearly $1 million for proper disposal of the asbestos in the demolition debris. The demolition debris was taken care of by November 2007.
Asbestos is a toxic substance that can cause serious health problems, including several forms of cancer like mesothelioma or lung cancer. Because of this, asbestos handling and removal is strictly regulated to ensure the health of workers and the public.
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