CONTACT: Joseph.Ferson
978-661-7678

Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection

BOSTON, MA – DECEMBER 23, 2002
Repeated violations by Commonwealth Tank of Wakefield has led the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to issue a civil administrative penalty on December 12 to the licensed-asbestos contractor, the third such penalty DEP has issued to the company this year.

In announcing the $185,000 penalty, DEP cited additional violations that occurred at several residential asbestos abatement projects in Marblehead, Chelsea and Arlington. The company was also cited for violations involving the storage and labeling of asbestos at the company?s facility on New Salem Street in Wakefield.

Earlier this year, on April 5, the company was assessed a penalty of $290,000 for illegal transportation of hazardous waste and improper storage of hazardous material. Also, on October 24, the company was issued a penalty of $45,000 for failing to notify DEP of asbestos abatement projects prior to beginning the work. Each of the earlier penalties has been appealed.

?In order to protect the public, the proper removal and disposal of asbestos by all licensed contractors must be followed at all times but especially in residential projects,? said William Gaughan, DEP?s Director of the Northeast Regional Office. ?As a licensed asbestos contractor, Commonwealth Tank was offering to perform a service for its clients, who hired them with the reasonable expectation that the remediation would be carried out in a lawful and proper manner.?

?These repeated violations identified by DEP demonstrate a failure by Commonwealth Tank to take seriously the need for strict compliance with regulatory requirements,? Gaughan added.

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.