Portland OR (5/8/2013) – DEQ has now assessed a total of $21,293 for violations related to the improper removal of an asbestos-laden popcorn ceiling at a Pine Meadow Village duplex
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued a penalty totaling $8,093 to Pine Meadow Village LLC for asbestos violations at a duplex located on 1985 Cedar Circle in the Pine Meadows Village housing complex in Albany, Ore.
The company is receiving the penalty as the owner of the property and is charged with failing to hire an accredited asbestos inspector before allowing renovation work to occur. Earlier this year, DEQ also assessed penalties to the construction company and the management company involved in the project.
In January, Hodgie Construction received a $7,200 penalty for performing an asbestos abatement project in October 2012 on the property owned by Pine Meadow and managed by JPM Real Estate Services without first obtaining the required license. While renovating the duplex, workers removed asbestos-containing popcorn texture material from the ceiling of the garage. The texture material was scraped and crumbled likely causing the release of asbestos fibers.
Workers also allowed the asbestos-containing waste material to openly accumulate at the duplex. During an inspection on Oct. 22, 2012 a DEQ inspector discovered the ceiling debris on the floor and other surfaces in the garage and scattered throughout the interior of the duplex.
JPM Real Estate Services received a $6,000 penalty for allowing Hodgie Construction, a contractor without the required license, to perform the project. As the property manager of the facility, JPM Real Estate Services was responsible for ensuring that asbestos on the property was properly managed.
DEQ has now assessed a total of $21,293 for violations related to removal of the asbestos-laden popcorn ceiling at the Pine Meadow Village duplex.
Asbestos fibers are a respiratory hazard proven to cause cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis. Asbestos is a danger to public health and a hazardous air pollutant for which there is no known safe level of exposure.
Both Hodgie Construction and JPM Real Estate Services appealed their penalties in January. Pine Meadow LLC appealed their penalty on April 26.
Contacts: Esther Westbrook, Compliance and Enforcement, Portland, 503-229-5374; Dottie Boyd, Air Quality Division, Salem, 503-378-5086
