A property development corporation and a contractor it hired will pay up to $325,000USD to settle allegations of illegal asbestos abatement activity during excavation and construction activities, which occurred during the development of a large-scale residential complex.
It is alleged Pulte Homes of New England and J&J Contractors violated local Clean Air legislation and relevant asbestos regulations by allowing or causing excavation work at a development where workers failed to properly secure asbestos materials during storage or disposal, and did not use the appropriate handling procedures.
“These defendants put the health of their workers at risk when they failed to take the proper safety precautions during this construction project,” Attorney General Healey said.
“Contractors and developers who encounter asbestos during their work must comply with the law and safely handle, store, and dispose of the material, and we will hold accountable those who don’t.”
According to the AG’s Office, Pulte hired J&J as their contractor for construction, demolition and elements of redevelopment. Despite reports that outlined the presence of underground utility features and thermal insulation, including friable asbestos in the pipes.
Despite this, the two companies excavated the pipes and utility lines, breaking the asbestos into pieces, piled the material at the site, loosely covered and did not properly handle, wet or store.
“It is critically important that property owners, as well as construction companies, identify asbestos-containing materials and ensure that those materials are properly removed before beginning any demolition or renovation, particularly near populated areas,” said Eric Worrall, who is the director at the local regional Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP).
“Asbestos is a known carcinogen and following the required work practices is imperative to protect workers and the public.”