Massachusetts Asbestos Abatement Company May Face Fines

An asbestos removal company in Lawrence, Massachusetts may face a fine of up to $18,137 after being cited by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for violating state asbestos regulations.

The company, Environmental Source Corp., is located at 181 Canal St. in Lawrence.

DEP inspectors first became aware of potential violations when they were called in to investigate a complaint regarding an asbestos siding removal project at a local home. At that time, DEP inspectors found pieces of dry, shattered asbestos-containing materials sitting uncontained on the ground at the work site.

DEP regulations require contractors to wet and carefully lower asbestos-containing siding to the ground. The asbestos must then be sealed into leak-tight containers that have been marked with the appropriate warning labels. These guidelines are in place in order to protect workers and building occupants from an accidental asbestos release. When inhaled, asbestos can lead to lung cancer, asbestosis, or mesothelioma.

“Licensed asbestos contractors are fully aware that the prescribed regulatory work procedures are critical to the protection of their workers, public health and the environment,” said Lee Dillard Adams, deputy director of DEP’s Central Regional Office in Worcester. “Failure to strictly adhere to all required work practices inevitably results in significant penalty exposure and escalated cleanup, decontamination, and monitoring costs.”

Environmental Source Corp. may have a portion of the fine suspended, provided the company does not have any further violations over the next 12 months.

The DEP is responsible for ensuring clean air and water, correct disposal of hazardous materials, cleanup for hazmat sites, and the preservation of wetlands and estuaries.