October 23, 2013 – Demolition and construction projects often generate dust filled with fine asbestos particles. Without the use of proper precautions, those asbestos particles can cause serious health and environmental problems. Repeated exposure to asbestos, a human carcinogen, frequently results in a life-altering diagnosis such as mesothelioma, lung cancer or other asbestos-related disease. Those individuals and companies who fail to comply with laws that regulate the proper handling and disposal of asbestos-laden materials face criminal penalties, including jail time.
A federal judge in Idaho recently sentenced two construction company managers to over six months in prison for their roles in the violation of the asbestos work practice standards of the Clean Air Act. As part of a two million dollar waterline renovation project in Orofino, Idaho, the Owyhee Construction Company was hired to replace existing water lines. The Company’s workers improperly crushed and reburied thousands of linear feet of existing cement asbestos pipe on the waterline renovation construction site as well as on sixteen additional sites throughout Orofino. When cement asbestos pipe is crushed, the encapsulated asbestos material becomes airborne, threatening the health of all those exposed to such material.
Despite being warned in contract documents that they would encounter asbestos at the worksite, employees were not properly trained in how to safely remove the asbestos or given protective gear. Both Bradley Eberhart (the project superintendent) and Douglas Greiner (the onsite project supervisor) failed to properly supervise the renovation project and were charged with numerous crimes related to the improper disposal of the cement asbestos pipe. Both men pled guilty to the charges filed against them.
U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge sentenced the men to six months in prison, six months of home confinement and six months supervised release. In addition to the criminal sentence, the Environmental Protection Agency imposed approximately four million dollars in penalties to cover the cost of the cleanup resulting from the Owyhee Construction Company’s negligence. Following the sentencing, the Justice Department reaffirmed its commitment to vigorously enforcing federal laws protecting against asbestos exposure.
Pennsylvania & New Jersey Asbestos Attorneys at Shein Law Fight for Justice for Asbestos Exposure Victims
The asbestos attorneys at Shein Law have spent the last forty years advocating for the rights of asbestos victims. With offices in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Pennsauken, New Jersey, our attorneys are committed to fighting for all those affected by this deadly disease. If you or your loved one has been affected by a diagnosis of lung cancer, mesothelioma or other asbestos-related disease, call the attorneys at Shein Law today at 1-877-SHEINLAW (743-4652) to schedule a free consultation or contact us online.