Massachusetts Contractor Fined for Violations

January 30, 2007 - The owner of a Shrewsbury, Massachusetts contracting company has been fined more than $36,000 for a series of asbestos violations, according to an article in the Worcester (MA) Telegram and Gazette.

The contractor, Joseph T. Duggan of Shrewsbury, was renovating homes in nearby Worcester when representatives from the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) discovered violations connected with the improper removal and disposal of materials containing asbestos.

According to the article, the DEP reported that it found 12 unmarked trash bags containing asbestos insulation during an inspection of the property. The insulation material also was observed uncontained on the floor. The DEP reported that the material had been stored at the location for about two weeks.

Mr. Duggan was cited for failing to notify the DEP of the renovation operation, and for improperly storing asbestos materials in accordance with state regulations, according to the agency.

Upon the discovery of the violations, DEP officials promptly halted work at the site and demanded that Duggan hire certified asbestos removal contractors to finish the job and remove the material.