Penalty Against Worcester Company For Asbestos Violations To Benefit Local Youth Organization?s Efforts

Aug 4, 2004

Penalty Against Worcester Company For Asbestos Violations To Benefit Local Youth Organization?s Efforts

CONTACT: Edmund Coletta
(617) 292-5737
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection

Worcester, MA – July 29, 2004
A.M. Castle & Company will pay a total of $11,250 in penalties for violations of state asbestos regulations at the company?s Worcester facility, and part of that penalty will be used to help a Worcester youth organization in their efforts to build new headquarters.

During April and June 2002 inspections of the company?s facility, located at 70 Quinsigamond Avenue in Worcester, Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) personnel observed dry, friable, asbestos insulation uncontained on the boiler room floor. The asbestos-containing waste material was not handled, containerized and labeled as required by the regulations. Additionally, the company was required to retain a Massachusetts Division of Occupational Safety licensed asbestos contractor to properly handle, package and dispose of the asbestos waste and decontaminate all affected areas of the property.

As part of the settlement, A.M. Castle will complete a Supplemental Environmental Project and donate $8,438 to fund pre-demolition asbestos removal activities in buildings being razed to make way for the new Boys? and Girls? Club of Worcester facility. The balance of $2,812 will be paid to the Commonwealth.

?Companies must be aware that asbestos-containing materials in their facilities must be properly maintained,? said Martin Suuberg, director of DEP?s Central Regional Office in Worcester. ?Failure to properly handle, package and store asbestos-containing waste is an extremely serious matter, which can result in exposure of workers, building occupants and the general public to a known carcinogen.?

Property owners or contractors with questions about asbestos-containing materials, notification requirements, proper removal, handling, packaging, storage and disposal procedures, or the asbestos regulations are encouraged to contact the appropriate DEP regional office for assistance.

The Department of Environmental Protection is responsible for ensuring clean air and water, safe management of solid and hazardous wastes, timely cleanup of hazardous waste sites and spills, and the preservation of wetlands and coastal resources.