Developer pleads not guilty to asbestos violations
Developer Robert Knapp of Des Moines, Iowa has pleaded not guilty to charges relating to illegal asbestos removal at the Equitable Building. Knapp and his project supervisor, Russell Coco, were indicted in February on 11 counts each of violating the federal Clean Air Act. See related story .
The charges are related to a renovation project at the Equitable Building. According to the indictment, several floors of the building were demolished illegally without having removed the asbestos first. The asbestos debris was then placed in open dumpsters and disposed of in a landfill.
Asbestos is a toxic substance that was commonly used in older construction materials. It is known to cause mesothelioma and other serious respiratory illnesses, which is why its removal, handling and disposal are strictly regulated to protect public health.
In 2009, Knapp agreed to pay a civil fine of $500,000, the largest civil fine for asbestos violations ever assessed in Iowa. See related story.
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