Louisiana companies charged with illegal asbestos dumping, other asbestos violations

In Baton Rouge, Louisiana, two companies and one area man have been sentenced in a case related to asbestos violations and illegal dumping. Charlie Hampton of Hamp’s Enterprises, LLC and Hamp’s Construction, LLC were fined a total of $40,000. Hampton has been ordered to clean up his illegal dumping site in New Orleans after pleading guilty to disposing of waste in a wetland area.

The case has been ongoing since April of this year, when Hampton was arrested on charges related to falsifying asbestos inspection certifications, specifically Asbestos Notification of Demolitions and Renovation forms. Falsifying these forms can endanger public health and safety and is against the law. Asbestos exposure has been repeatedly linked to the development of mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer that affects organs like the lungs and heart, as well as the lining of the abdominal cavity.

Sadly, the majority of patients lose their battle with this cancer in less than two years following diagnosis. Mesothelioma affects less than 3,000 Americans each year, and while there are palliative treatment methods available, including chemo, there is no known cure.

The Department of Environmental Quality’s Criminal Investigation Division investigated the case, and caught trucks operated by Hampton and Hamp’s Construction in the act of dumping construction debris.

“The Almonaster Corridor in New Orleans East has been a historic dumping site since before DEQ even existed,” said Harold Leggett, DEQ Secretary. “It will take continuing and vigilant efforts by DEQ, local and federal agencies to end illegal dumping and other illegal activities in this area.”