EPA settles alleged asbestos violations with companies in Georgia

September 30, 2024

ATLANTA (September 30, 2024) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently reached settlements with multiple companies across Georgia for alleged violations of the asbestos requirements of the Clean Air Act (CAA). Alleged violations include the failure to conduct a thorough inspection for asbestos-containing materials prior to beginning demolition or renovation activities and failure to provide written notice at least ten (10) days prior to beginning demolition activity.

"Federal asbestos laws protect the health of workers and the community during demolition and renovation projects," said Keriema Newman, Director of the Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division in EPA's Southeast Region. "When companies fail to follow asbestos requirements, asbestos can become airborne and put people at risk of exposure to a known carcinogen, including workers and residents at neighboring properties."

Asbestos is a hazardous air pollutant regulated by EPA to protect public health. Asbestos is used in a variety of building construction materials for insulation and as a fire retardant, and also has been used in a wide range of manufactured goods commonly found in building materials such as roofing shingles, ceiling and floor tiles, and heat resistant fabrics. In general, exposure may occur when the asbestos-containing material is disturbed or damaged in some way to release particles and fibers into the air. Exposure to asbestos increases your risk of developing lung disease.

Wells Contracting - A Clean Air Act ESA was filed on April 1, 2024, in the matter of Wells Contracting Inc., located in Columbus, Georgia, to settle an alleged violation of the notification requirements of 40 C.F.R. Part 61, Subpart M (National Emission Standard for Asbestos) with a penalty of $195.

Southeast Restoration Group of Georgia - A Clean Air Act ESA was filed on April 3, 2024, in the matter of Southeast Restoration Group of Georgia in Canton, Georgia, to settle an alleged violation of the inspection requirements of 40 C.F.R. Part 61, Subpart M (National Emission Standard for Asbestos) with a penalty of $1,951.

Horizon Construction Company - A Clean Air Act ESA was filed on May 23, 2024, in the matter of Horizon Construction Company located in Alpharetta, Georgia, to settle an alleged violation of the inspection requirements of 40 C.F.R. Part 61, Subpart M (National Emission Standard for Asbestos) with a penalty of $5,425.

KMD Management, LLC - A Clean Air Act ESA was filed on May 28, 2024, in the matter of KMD Management, LLC located in Conyers, Georgia, to settle an alleged violation of the notification requirements of 40 C.F.R. Part 61, Subpart M (National Emission Standard for Asbestos) with a penalty of $1,378.

Meadowlark Contracting, Inc. - A Clean Air Act ESA was filed on June 24, 2024, in the matter of Meadowlark Contracting, Inc. located in White, Georgia, to settle an alleged violation of the inspection requirements of 40 C.F.R. Part 61, Subpart M (National Emission Standard for Asbestos) with a penalty of $3,832.

American Logistics International - A Clean Air Act ESA was filed on July 24, 2024, in the matter of American Logistics International located in Hampton, Georgia, to settle an alleged violation of the notification requirements of 40 C.F.R. Part 61, Subpart M (National Emission Standard for Asbestos) with a penalty of $2,205.

Blue Star Houses, LLC - A Clean Air Act ESA was filed on August 1, 2024, in the matter of Blue Star Houses, LLClocated in Atlanta, Georgia, to settle an alleged violation of the notification requirements of 40 C.F.R. Part 61, Subpart M (National Emission Standard for Asbestos) with a penalty of $6,544.

Rand Construction - A Clean Air Act ESA was filed on August 12, 2024, in the matter of Rand Construction Corporation located in Atlanta, Georgia, to settle an alleged violation of the inspection requirements of 40 C.F.R. Part 61, Subpart M (National Emission Standard for Asbestos) with a penalty of $5,425.

J.D.R. Construction & Design, Inc. - A Clean Air Act ESA was filed on August 14, 2024, in the matter of J.D.R. Construction & Design, Inc., located in Savannah, Georgia, to settle alleged violations of the inspection and notification requirements of 40 C.F.R. Part 61, Subpart M (National Emission Standard for Asbestos) with a penalty of $8,223.

Central Industries, Inc. - A Clean Air Act ESA was filed on August 19, 2024, in the matter of Central Industries, Inc., located in Savannah, Georgia to settle alleged violations of the notice requirements of 40 C.F.R. Part 61, Subpart M (National Emission Standard for Asbestos) with a penalty of $1,533.

Pro Tech General Construction, Inc. - A Clean Air Act ESA was filed on August 26, 2024, in the matter of Pro Tech General Construction, Inc., located in Alpharetta, Georgia to settle an alleged violation of the requirements of 40 C.F.R. Part 61, Subpart M (National Emission Standard for Asbestos) with a penalty of $5,425.

For more information on these and other health effects of asbestos exposure see the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry,the Occupational Health and Safety Administrationand the National Cancer Institute.

For more information about asbestos, please visit https://www.epa.gov/asbestos.

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