Image via WikipediaAustralian Mining's website reported on October 5, 2011, that up to 10 workers at BHP Billiton’s (BHP) Port Hedland site were exposed to asbestos after completing maintenance work on a tug boat. According to the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) crew from Teekay Shipping, a BHP contractor, were exposed to chrysotile, or white asbestos, while removing gasket material on the Star Voyager last month. Two weeks earlier Teekay workers at Port Hedland walked off the job after asbestos was found in the gasket joining material on another tug, the PB Fitzroy. Both the Star Voyager and PB Fitzroy were built by Chinese shipmaker Cheoy Lee Shipyards.
Here is the problem, even though Australia has banned the use of asbestos in their country. That does not prohibit the use of asbestos in products that Australia buys. Which is the same problem the United States has.
This incident exposed workers to asbestos for 24 hours, and in one case, exposed the worker's family to asbestos after returning home from work in contaminated workclothes. Workers must be aware of the potential hazards in the materials they work with or otherwise how will they know how to protect themselves.
Future Environment Designs Training Center specializes in asbestos, indoor air quality, industrial hygiene, and occupational safety training programs. We offer New York State asbestos and mold certification courses. We design, develop, and maintain the various indoor air quality, asbestos, and safety programs that are Keeping Your Employees Safe.
Search This Blog
Showing posts with label asbestos consulting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label asbestos consulting. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Friday, October 07, 2011
EPA Issues a Compliance Order Against Buffalo's Public Housing Authority
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued a compliance order, charging Buffalo's Public Housing Authority with violations of the Federal Clean Air Act resulting in fines up to $25,000 a day for each violation. See the WIVBTV video for the full story or Phil Fairbank's article "Housing Authority faces fines on asbestos" at BuffaloNews.com.
This is part 2 of the Kensington Heights housing project where the federal government has handed indictments of nine individuals and two contractors on felony criminal charges related to the asbestos removal project. The 23-count indictment charges the contractors and individuals, including three inspectors -- one from the state, two from the city -- with improperly removing and disposing of asbestos at the complex. EPA spokesman Michael Basile said the allegations against the authority are similar but are administrative charges, not criminal charges. The authority is alleged to have violated the EPA's National Emission Standards for Asbestos.
Basile says the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority needs to first submit a plan of proper asbestos removal for what's left in the building, then a plan for a safe demolition. "We want to make sure that the building is demolished and the removal of the asbestos is done in a safe manner to protect human health and the environment, not only for the people that are going to be working on the project, but for the people that live in the immediate area,” said Basile. Basile says he hopes the fines will never be imposed, and believes the Public Housing Authority wants to get the asbestos removal and demo process done as soon as possible. He says once the plans are developed and submitted to the EPA, the approval process should take less than two weeks.
This is part 2 of the Kensington Heights housing project where the federal government has handed indictments of nine individuals and two contractors on felony criminal charges related to the asbestos removal project. The 23-count indictment charges the contractors and individuals, including three inspectors -- one from the state, two from the city -- with improperly removing and disposing of asbestos at the complex. EPA spokesman Michael Basile said the allegations against the authority are similar but are administrative charges, not criminal charges. The authority is alleged to have violated the EPA's National Emission Standards for Asbestos.
Basile says the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority needs to first submit a plan of proper asbestos removal for what's left in the building, then a plan for a safe demolition. "We want to make sure that the building is demolished and the removal of the asbestos is done in a safe manner to protect human health and the environment, not only for the people that are going to be working on the project, but for the people that live in the immediate area,” said Basile. Basile says he hopes the fines will never be imposed, and believes the Public Housing Authority wants to get the asbestos removal and demo process done as soon as possible. He says once the plans are developed and submitted to the EPA, the approval process should take less than two weeks.
Related articles
- NYSDOL Asbestos Inspector Indicted in Kensington Towers Probe (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- Owner of Asbestos Abatement Training School Sentenced to Prison (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- ADAO to Livestream the film "Breathtaking" (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- NYS Education Department Issues Clarification on Asbestos Material Testing (futureenv.blogspot.com)
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Owner of Asbestos Abatement Training School Sentenced to Prison
Image via WikipediaIn November 2008, Albania DeLeon, former owner of Environmental Compliance Training (ECT), the country's largest asbestos abatement training school, fled the United States after her trial. DeLeon was convicted of a broad range of charges including selling training certificates to thousands of illegal aliens who had not taken the mandatory training course. Deleon then placed these unqualified individuals in temporary employment positions as certified asbestos abatement workers in public buildings throughout Massachusetts and New England. Deleon was also convicted of encouraging illegal aliens to reside in the United States, making false statements about matters within the jurisdiction of the Environmental Protection Agency; procuring false payroll tax returns, and mail fraud.
On October 30, 2010, law enforcement authorities in the Dominican Republic, working in conjunction with the U.S. Marshal’s Service, arrested her in the capital city of Santo Domingo, where she was living under an alias and had dyed her hair blonde. In November, 2010, she was extradited to the United States. Yesterday, Albania DeLeon was sentenced to prison. U.S. District Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton sentenced DeLeon, 41, formerly of Andover, Mass., to 87 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay $1,200,939.45 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service and $369,015 to AIM Mutual Insurance Company.
United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz said, “Today, justice was served, and Albania Deleon has finally faced the consequences of her crimes. I hope that this sentence sends a strong message to anyone who might contemplate fleeing to avoid punishment, that we do not give up on fugitives, and we will take all necessary means and resources to apprehend and prosecute them.”
“She ran and tried to hide, but eventually the law caught up with her,” said Michael E. Hubbard, Special Agent in Charge of the US Environmental Protection Agency Criminal Investigation Division in Boston. “Ms Deleon cynically defrauded the taxpayer and put her own workers and the public at risk due to her greed. Today’s sentence shows that individuals who put illegal profits ahead of the welfare of society will deservedly be prosecuted and pay a very high price.”
“This sentencing sends a clear message to employers that seek to gain an unfair business advantage over their competitors by employing illegal workers,” said Bruce M. Foucart, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston. “The potential risk to public health and safety involving asbestos and lead abatement and training licenses made this investigation and the need to bring this individual to justice even more compelling.”
On October 30, 2010, law enforcement authorities in the Dominican Republic, working in conjunction with the U.S. Marshal’s Service, arrested her in the capital city of Santo Domingo, where she was living under an alias and had dyed her hair blonde. In November, 2010, she was extradited to the United States. Yesterday, Albania DeLeon was sentenced to prison. U.S. District Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton sentenced DeLeon, 41, formerly of Andover, Mass., to 87 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay $1,200,939.45 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service and $369,015 to AIM Mutual Insurance Company.
United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz said, “Today, justice was served, and Albania Deleon has finally faced the consequences of her crimes. I hope that this sentence sends a strong message to anyone who might contemplate fleeing to avoid punishment, that we do not give up on fugitives, and we will take all necessary means and resources to apprehend and prosecute them.”
“She ran and tried to hide, but eventually the law caught up with her,” said Michael E. Hubbard, Special Agent in Charge of the US Environmental Protection Agency Criminal Investigation Division in Boston. “Ms Deleon cynically defrauded the taxpayer and put her own workers and the public at risk due to her greed. Today’s sentence shows that individuals who put illegal profits ahead of the welfare of society will deservedly be prosecuted and pay a very high price.”
“This sentencing sends a clear message to employers that seek to gain an unfair business advantage over their competitors by employing illegal workers,” said Bruce M. Foucart, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston. “The potential risk to public health and safety involving asbestos and lead abatement and training licenses made this investigation and the need to bring this individual to justice even more compelling.”
Related articles
- Asbestos Contractor Who Violated Environmental Laws Should Pay Compensation, New York Asbestos Lawyer says (prweb.com)
- NYSDOL Asbestos Inspector Indicted in Kensington Towers Probe (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- New York Increases Monitoring of Asbestos Inspectors (nytimes.com)
- ADAO to Livestream the film "Breathtaking" (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- NYS Education Department Issues Clarification on Asbestos Material Testing (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- Canada Blocks Asbestos's Placement on UN's List of Hazardous Substances (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- Deutsche Bank Fire Defendants All Acquitted Of Charges. (futureenv.blogspot.com)
Thursday, September 01, 2011
Schools Required to Manage Asbestos
Image via WikipediaUnder the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) regulation all public and private schools (with a few exceptions) were required in 1989 to develop management plans for managing the asbestos installed in their buildings. The AHERA regulation required the schools to update these asbestos management plans every three years. This management plan requirement included notifying workers and building occupants, or their legal guardians, at least once each school year about inspections, response actions, and post-response action activities, including periodic reinspection and surveillance activities that are planned or in progress. Such notification must be done in writing and a copy placed in the management plan. Suggested notification methods may be through the publication of an article in a school district newsletter or through a separate written notice distributed to staff and sent home to a student's parent or legal guardian. Since a new school year is upon us, it is important to remember what is required in this notification. The New York State Education Department - Facilities Planning website has a Annual AHERA Notification section discussing what is required.
In addition, schools are required to make the management plans available for inspection to representatives of EPA and the State, the public, including parents, teachers, and other school personnel within 5 working days after receiving a request for the inspection. The local education agency (LEA) is also required to notify in writing parent, teacher, and employee organizations of the availability of management plans and shall include in the management plan a description of steps to notify such organizations, and a dated copy of the notification. In the absence of any such organizations for parents, teachers, or employees, the local education agency shall provide written notice to that relevant group of the availability of management plans and shall include in the management plan a description of the steps taken to notify such groups and a dated copy of the notification. The LEA asbestos designee for the school district is to oversee that these AHERA required notifications occur each school year. The school may determine when to do AHERA notification, as long as it occurs at least once each school year.
Enforcement of this requirement is done by the EPA's Region II office. They have been very active inspecting New York State schools for compliance with AHERA (in addition, New York State Deaprtment of Health, had received a grant from EPA to perform these inspections on their behalf). Schools which lack required elements in the AHERA management plan, including the notification documentation outlined above, will be issued an EPA Notice of Noncompliance. Subsequently, the school has thirty days from the Notice date to correct the violations. Schools which do not comply with the Notice within thirty days are subject to additional EPA enforcement action, which may result in civil or criminal penalties.
Related articles
- NYS Education Department Issues Clarification on Asbestos Material Testing (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- NYS Senate Considering Asbestos Notification Fee Changes (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- Asbestos Found At Plattsburgh, NY Site (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- ADAO to Livestream the film "Breathtaking" (futureenv.blogspot.com)
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
ADAO to Livestream the film “Breathtaking”
Image via Wikipedia
The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) recognizing the global and negative impact of the Canadian asbestos industry, has partnered with Ontario filmaker Kathleen Mullen, the directer of Breathtaking, to hold a first-ever, international livestreaming of Breathtaking on September 26th, 2011 at 6:30 pm EST from the ADAO website. The 45 minute screening will begin with a short introduction from Mullen and conclude with a fifteen minute question and answer session via Twitter with the filmmaker and ADAO President and Co-Founder, Linda Reinstein.Breathtaking addresses the asbestos industry through a moving and personal investigation into the death of Mullen’s father, and the baffling present-day use, pubic mining, and incessant export of asbestos in spite of decades of scientific evidence that asbestos kills people. Commercially mined since the Industrial Revolution, asbestos was nicknamed the ‘magic mineral’ for its fabric-like, and fire retardant properties and has been used in everything from brake pads to oven mitts. Although it has been discovered to be carcinogenic, and asbestos use has been banned in many countries and limited in others. However, Canada, Russia and several other countries, still mine asbestos and export it for use in developing nations.
Related articles
- Canada Blocks Asbestos's Placement on UN's List of Hazardous Substances (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- Doctors ask doctor-MP to stop Canadian asbestos exports (canada.com)
- When did people find out that asbestos caused mesothelioma (wiki.answers.com)
- NYS Education Department Issues Clarification on Asbestos Material Testing (futureenv.blogspot.com)
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Asbestos Found At Plattsburgh, NY Site
An article titled "Asbestos Found At Nikki's Site; Tear Down Can Start" in the Press Republican Newspaper on August 9, 2011 discusses the condemned bar and rooming house at the corner of Main and Academy streets that partially collapsed on July 25 and damaged the adjacent property, known as the Faubert Building in Plattsburgh, New York. Testing confirmed that the debris from the collapse of Nikki's Place contains asbestos.
According to the article, Dilshad Perera, on-site coordinator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), said that as soon as the estimated funding needed for the cleanup is in place, a certified asbestos-abatement contractor can be hired to safely haul the material away.
We assume this project is using the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) Industrial Code Rule 56 section on controlled demolition with asbestos in place. Though it does surprise me that the EPA is on-site versus NYSDOL.
According to the article, Dilshad Perera, on-site coordinator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), said that as soon as the estimated funding needed for the cleanup is in place, a certified asbestos-abatement contractor can be hired to safely haul the material away.
We assume this project is using the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) Industrial Code Rule 56 section on controlled demolition with asbestos in place. Though it does surprise me that the EPA is on-site versus NYSDOL.
Related articles
- NYS Senate Considering Asbestos Notification Fee Changes (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- NYSDOL Asbestos Inspector Indicted in Kensington Towers Probe (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- Disposal Company Charged With Illegal Dumping Of Asbestos (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- Canada Blocks Asbestos's Placement on UN's List of Hazardous Substances (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- Flooding Devastating Upstate New York, Vermont, & Quebec, Too (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- Did You Know? (futureenv.blogspot.com)
Friday, August 12, 2011
White House and EPA Misled Public on Air Quality After 9/11 Attack.
Image by Getty Images via @daylifeBased on a New York Times article "Public Misled on Air Quality After 9/11 Attack, Judge Says" - Federal judge Deborah A. Batts of Federal District Court in Manhattan, found that Christine Whitman, when she led the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), made "misleading statements of safety" about the air quality near the World Trade Center in the days after the Sept. 11 attack. These statements may have put the public in danger. This pointed criticism of Mrs. Whitman came in a ruling by the judge in a 2004 class action lawsuit on behalf of residents and schoolchildren from downtown Manhattan and Brooklyn who say they were exposed to air contamination inside buildings near the trade center. The suit, against Mrs. Whitman, other former and current EPA officials and the agency itself, charges that they failed to warn people of dangerous materials in the air and then failed to carry out an adequate cleanup. The plaintiffs are seeking monetary damages and want the judge to order a thorough cleaning. In her ruling, Judge Batts decided not to dismiss the case against Mrs. Whitman, who is being sued both as former administrator of the EPA and as an individual.
In a separate but similar article by CBS News titled "W. House Molded EPA's 9/11 Reports", the EPA's internal watchdog found that the White House influenced the statements released by the EPA and that the data did not support the statements that were released. Making the 9/11 tragedy even deeper considering the amount of harm we did to ourselves by these actions.
In a separate but similar article by CBS News titled "W. House Molded EPA's 9/11 Reports", the EPA's internal watchdog found that the White House influenced the statements released by the EPA and that the data did not support the statements that were released. Making the 9/11 tragedy even deeper considering the amount of harm we did to ourselves by these actions.
Related articles
- Federal Court Asked to Order Deadline for Action on Smog Standards (yubanet.com)
- Former Pres. George W. Bush to be in NYC to mark 10th anniversary of 9/11 attacks (nj.com)
- US Concerned Over 9/11 Anniversary Attacks (israelnationalnews.com)
- Firefighters will fetch World Trade Center beam for 9/11 memorial in Federal Way (pnwlocalnews.com)
- New World Trade Center Now Officially Tallest Building In Lower Manhattan (newyork.cbslocal.com)
- US EPA releases scientific integrity policy (blogs.nature.com)
- Don't Blame EPA for What the Clean Air Act Requires (volokh.com)
- E.P.A. Chief Stands Firm as Tough Rules Loom (nytimes.com)
Monday, August 01, 2011
NYS Senate Considering Asbestos Notification Fee Changes
Image by Getty Images via @daylifeThe New York State Senate is considering changes to the notification fees paid by residential homeowners. These changes are being considered, because currently, a very small percentage of asbestos project notifications are received from projects involving owner occupied one or two family structures. The NYS Senate believes that so few of these notifications are received because the current fee structure is cost prohibitive, which results in homeowners either doing the abatement project illegally themselves or not doing the project at all. If home-owners are charged a fee of no more than five hundred dollars ($500) for the project notification it will result in improved compliance and an increase in the number of homeowner asbestos project notifications received by the NYS Department of Labor, since it would become more economically feasible to comply with the law. For more information S748-2011 can be found at: http://m.nysenate.gov/legislation/bill/S748-2011.
Related articles
Related articles
- Did You Know? (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- NYS Education Department Issues Clarification on Asbestos Material Testing (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- Canada Blocks Asbestos's Placement on UN's List of Hazardous Substances (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- NYC DEP Plans Increase In Enforcement On Asbestos Investigators (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- Daily Show Exposes Asbestos Hypocrisy in Quebec Canada (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- NYCDEP Creates a New Closeout Process for A-TRU (Asbestos) Permitted Projects (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- Summer & Fall 2011 Future Focus Now Available Online (futureenv.blogspot.com)
Related articles
- Daily Show Exposes Asbestos Hypocrisy in Quebec Canada (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- NYCDEP Creates a New Closeout Process for A-TRU (Asbestos) Permitted Projects (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- Summer & Fall 2011 Future Focus Now Available Online (futureenv.blogspot.com)
Friday, July 29, 2011
Judge Stops Changes to Manufacturers Trust Company Building
Marble Columns Required Protection from the Poly, Spray Glue, & Duct Tape. |
Related articles
- Did You Know? (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- Controversy Regarding Brodeur's Asbestos Research Information at The New York Public Library. (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- Summer & Fall 2011 Future Focus Now Available Online (futureenv.blogspot.com)
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
NYS Education Department Issues Clarification on Asbestos Material Testing
New York State Education Department's Office of Facilities Planning newsletter #107 (July 2011) issued clarifications regarding asbestos material testing that were brought up by the New York State Department of Health' Environmental Laboratory Approval Program's (ELAP) FAQ. Major points from the newsletter:
- Review your management plans and data, and determine if the ceiling tile results were obtained through an appropriate test, ELAP items 198.6 or 198.4. If the tiles were correctly tested in accordance with the current protocols and the data are available, no additional testing is required. If that information is not available, or if the results were not obtained in accordance with ELAP items 198.6 or 198.4, school districts should consider testing as either part of an existing or planned capital improvement or as an independent analysis prior to disturbance.
- Be aware that ceiling tiles and other products purchased today can still contain asbestos, but many manufacturers offer documentation as to the asbestos free nature of their products. Some manufacturers date stamp ceiling tiles. If you can provide documentation of when and where the tiles were purchased and installed, the manufacturer should be able to provide documentation or certification that they do not contain ACM, and your management plan should be updated accordingly.
- If you have documentation that your ceiling tiles or other materials are non-ACM, additional testing is not required, however, as in any investigation, actual bulk sample results would supersede documentation in an analysis of the situation.
- Check the ELAP list, contained in the web links above, to see if any other materials in your school that may be disturbed such as vinyl tile, mastic, caulking, etc, were tested under the correct protocol, and the results are available. If these items were not tested properly under the current protocol with negative results they should be considered for additional sampling prior to any disturbance.
- If ceiling tiles and other materials are found to be asbestos containing under the current analysis method, the schools asbestos management plan must be updated in accordance with AHERA regulations. Areas with significantly damaged ceiling tiles must be isolated and the damaged areas removed in accordance with AHERA and code rule 56. Districts should consider whether to undertake capital projects if certain ceilings must be accessed on a regular basis.
Considering my reccent article in Future Focus, it seems like someone else is thinking along the same lines as myself.
Related articles
- Summer & Fall 2011 Future Focus Now Available Online (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- Canada Blocks Asbestos's Placement on UN's List of Hazardous Substances (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- Daily Show Exposes Asbestos Hypocrisy in Quebec Canada (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- First Quebec, Now Zimbabwe (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- Did You Know? (futureenv.blogspot.com)
Friday, July 15, 2011
Deutsche Bank Fire Defendants All Acquitted Of Charges.
Last week, the three defendants charged with manslaughter and other charges of causing the fatalities at the former Deutsche Bank building, were acquitted of all charges. The jury cleared two former managers, Jeffrey Melofchik and Salvatore DePaolo, on June 29, while the Criminal Court Judge Rena K. Uviller acquitted Mitchel Alvo, on July 6. Uviller also tossed out the major charges against the subcontractor, The John Galt Corp., convicting the company only of a misdemeanor count of reckless endangerment.
Defense attorneys were able to convince the judge and jury that the actual causes were more complicated. Those complications included:
Image via Wikipedia
The former Deutsche Bank building was undergoing asbestos abatement and demolition at the time of the fire in 2007, that caused the death of firefighters Robert Beddia 53, and Joseph Graffagnino, 33, who died trying to fight the blaze. Charges included multiple counts of negligent homicide, manslaughter and reckless endangerment.Defense attorneys were able to convince the judge and jury that the actual causes were more complicated. Those complications included:
- New York City Fire Dept. did not abide by the 15-day rule of inspections
- Errors made by the Lower Manhattan Development Corp. (LMDC)
- The negative air system used in the abatement caused rising smoke to descend and block the firefighters vision.
Thursday, June 09, 2011
NYCDEP Creates a New Closeout Process for A-TRU (Asbestos) Permitted Projects
Image via WikipediaNew York City Department of Environmental Protection just sent out information regarding a new closeout process that has been developed in ARTS for A-TRU (Asbestos) Permitted Projects to allow the registered design professional to handle the A-TR1.
4. The applicant hits submit and the A-TR1 goes to the registered design professional who will complete and submit the A-TRI form to DEP for approval.
Instructions for both the applicant and registered design professional can be found at our website at http://futureenvironmentdesigns.com/news.html.
1. The registered design professional needs to create an account by going to http://a826-web01.nyc.gov/atr1 and registering.
2. Once the registered design professional registers at the web site, they will give the email they used to register to the ACP7 applicant.
3. When closing out permitted locations the ACP7, the applicant will select the abatement locations and enter the email address the registered design professional used to register at the web site.4. The applicant hits submit and the A-TR1 goes to the registered design professional who will complete and submit the A-TRI form to DEP for approval.
Instructions for both the applicant and registered design professional can be found at our website at http://futureenvironmentdesigns.com/news.html.
Related articles
- NYC DEP Plans Increase In Enforcement On Asbestos Investigators (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- Disposal Company Charged With Illegal Dumping Of Asbestos (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- Daily Show Exposes Asbestos Hypocrisy in Quebec Canada (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- New York State Releases FAQ on Asbestos Analysis (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- Audits Planned for Asbestos Inspections (green.blogs.nytimes.com)
Tuesday, June 07, 2011
Disposal Company Charged With Illegal Dumping Of Asbestos
Mazza & Sons Inc., located in Tinton Falls, New Jersey, was named in a seven-count indictment of conspiring to dump 60 million pounds of asbestos-contaminated debris at a farm containing wetlands in upstate New York. Arrested under the indictment were Dominick Mazza, the owner of Mazza & Sons, Julius DeSimone of Rome, New York, Donald Torriero of Wellington, Florida, and Cross Nicastro II of Frankfort, New York.
The indictment describes a scheme to illegally dump thousands of tons of asbestos-contaminated, pulverized construction and demolition debris that was processed at Eagle Recycling’s and Mazza & Sons Inc.’s, New Jersey-based solid waste management facilities. That asbestos-contaminated debris was then transported to and dumped at Cross Nicastro II’s farm in Frankfort – much of which contained federally-regulated wetlands. Dumping and excavating operations were managed on-site by Julius DeSimone.
According to court documents, Donald Torriero and other conspirators concealed the illegal dumping by fabricating a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) permit and forging the name of a DEC official on the fraudulent permit. Once the conspirators learned that they were under investigation, they began a systematic pattern of document concealment, alteration and destruction by destroying and secreting documents responsive to grand jury subpoenas and falsifying and submitting environmental sampling to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Back in April, NJ.com reported, Eagle Recycling of North Bergen pleaded guilty in federal court to dumping 16.2 million pounds of pulverized construction and demolition debris - including asbestos - at the site and then attempted to destroy documents to conceal it. As part of the plea agreement, Eagle Recycling agreed to pay a criminal fine of $500,000, to implement an environmental compliance plan at its North Bergen facility, and to pay restitution that potentially includes cleanup costs.
The indictment describes a scheme to illegally dump thousands of tons of asbestos-contaminated, pulverized construction and demolition debris that was processed at Eagle Recycling’s and Mazza & Sons Inc.’s, New Jersey-based solid waste management facilities. That asbestos-contaminated debris was then transported to and dumped at Cross Nicastro II’s farm in Frankfort – much of which contained federally-regulated wetlands. Dumping and excavating operations were managed on-site by Julius DeSimone.
According to court documents, Donald Torriero and other conspirators concealed the illegal dumping by fabricating a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) permit and forging the name of a DEC official on the fraudulent permit. Once the conspirators learned that they were under investigation, they began a systematic pattern of document concealment, alteration and destruction by destroying and secreting documents responsive to grand jury subpoenas and falsifying and submitting environmental sampling to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Back in April, NJ.com reported, Eagle Recycling of North Bergen pleaded guilty in federal court to dumping 16.2 million pounds of pulverized construction and demolition debris - including asbestos - at the site and then attempted to destroy documents to conceal it. As part of the plea agreement, Eagle Recycling agreed to pay a criminal fine of $500,000, to implement an environmental compliance plan at its North Bergen facility, and to pay restitution that potentially includes cleanup costs.
Related articles
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Mesothelioma Early Detection Test Shows Promise
"About Mesothelioma.net" reported on April 8, 2011 that researchers from New York University Langone Medical Center presented promising research this week on a new diagnostic test designed to identify mesothelioma at an early stage. Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer of the lining of the lung or abdomen associated with breathing asbestos dust. Because the diagnosis is difficult, the asbestos-related cancer often goes undetected until it has reached an advanced stage, limiting patients’ treatment options. The NYU cancer researchers used a a new diagnostic blood assay test to identify proteins secreted by malignant mesothelioma tumors. Developed by the biotechnology company SomaLogic Inc., the test measures protein biomarkers found in the blood. Using the simple blood test, the NYU researchers identified 19 biomarkers associated with malignant mesothelioma. The aim is to detect mesothelioma early enough to allow for effective treatments, and improve survival rates and the quality of life for patients with mesothelioma.
Image via Wikipedia
In a presentation at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research, the research team, led by NYU cardiothoracic surgeon Harvey Pass, reported comparing 170 blood samples from 90 patients diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma and 80 patients who had been exposed to asbestos, but who had not been diagnosed with cancer. Using the protein detection assay, the researchers detected 15 of 19 cases of stage 1 or stage 2 malignant pleural mesothelioma.
With approximately 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma diagnosed each year in the U.S., and researchers estimating the disease would not peak for another 20 years. Discovering a better method for diagnosing the disease would hopefully lead to better treatments and improvements in survival rates.
Related articles
- New test detects early-stage, asbestos-related pulmonary cancer (eurekalert.org)
- Protein test detects early-stage, asbestos-related pulmonary cancer (eurekalert.org)
- Union Carbide Settlement in The Case of Mesothelioma (socyberty.com)
- An Overview of Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma (brighthub.com)
Tuesday, May 03, 2011
Asbestos Dangers Crop Up In Japan's Disaster
Image by Getty Images via @daylifeOur prayers go out to Japan in the aftermath of Japan's March 11 earthquake and tsunami, including the swamped nuclear reactor that has leaked radiation. However, like most disasters the tragedy doesn't end after the disaster. The next phase of the disaster is handling the devastion that has occurred and try to handle this in the most productive and safe manner possible. As the MSNBC report, "Japan Disaster's Other Hidden Danger: Asbestos," indicates activitists have found asbestos, the cancer-causing fibrous mineral, in the air and debris collected from the devastated northeastern coast of Japan. As we clean-up from these disasters it has become more important to ensure the safety of the clean-up workers and those near the area of the disaster from being exposed to the various environmental hazards that occur after a disaster. Asbestos, lead, mercury, silica, volatile organic compounds, polychlorinated biphenyls, and dioxin are just a few of the various chemicals that these workers could be exposed to. Though Japan is overwhelmed with enormity of the task ahead of them and needless to say the nuclear reactor leak is extremely serious. We hope they learn the lessons we seem unable to learn (mistakes made during the World Trade Center, Katrina, and Gulf-oil spill clean-ups) regarding the importance of ensuring the occupational health (illness prevention) of the clean-up workers. The proper use of respirators (including fit testing and training), proper decontamination of workers before they go home to their families, and the proper use of dust control practices during demolition and construction work to reduce dust emissions all should be standard practice for clean-up activities after a disaster.
Related articles
- Asbestos, Japan tsunami's other hidden danger (sfgate.com)
- Asbestos, Japan tsunami's other hidden danger (cbsnews.com)
- Asbestos, Japan tsunami's other hidden danger (ctv.ca)
- Asbestos Article in Indoor Environment Discusses Cross Issues with Radon (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- Short-term Recovery Activities in Japan (recoverydiva.com)
- Japan's parliament passes tsunami recovery budget (seattletimes.nwsource.com)
- Triple disaster and the Constitution (search.japantimes.co.jp)
Monday, May 02, 2011
First Quebec, Now Zimbabwe
Image via WikipediaIn a previous posting we discussed that the Quebec government had decided to back the loan that would reopen the Jeffrey Mine in Asbestos Canada. This loan would allow the mine to begin mining asbestos again and exporting it to countries like India. Now in the following article "Zimbabwe in bid to revive asbestos mines" in the English version of the People's Daily Online (China), we find out that Zimbabwe intends on doing the same thing for two of their mines (Shabanie and Mashava). These mines used to produce about 180,000 tons of asbestos fibers per year. According to this article, Zimbabwe has been spending millions of dollars on fiber imports from Russia and Brazil. Seems to me, that Zimbabwe is tired of importing asbestos when they could be mining it.
Related articles
- Quebec Government Decides to Back Loan to Restart Asbestos Mine (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- Canada labeled ‘immoral asbestos pusher’ as Harper visits Quebec mining town (theglobeandmail.com)
- Harper rejects export ban on asbestos (canada.com)
- Cancer society 'disappointed' with Quebec asbestos expansion (canada.com)
- Que. hands $7.5M to asbestos mine (cbc.ca)
- Duceppe wades into asbestos mining debate (cbc.ca)
- Air has high asbestos levels at Que. worksites: study (cbc.ca)
- Air at many Quebec worksites high in asbestos levels: study (theglobeandmail.com)
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Controversy Regarding Brodeur's Asbestos Research Information at The New York Public Library.
Image via WikipediaMy first full-time job was working with Hygienetics which at the time was located in Jersey City, New Jersey. My boss and my mentor was Mr. Eugene Pinzer, CIH. Mr. Pinzer was a great boss and did an excellant job mentoring me (as far as I am concerned). At times he would train by hands-on practices, other times he would ask me to read some article or book that would help with my education and help me gain valuable experience and knowledge. When I read the Felix Salmon's blog post "The case of Paul Brodeur vs the NYPL" and then Paul Brodeur's, a staff writer for The New Yorker for nearly 40 years, article for The Author's Guild titled "Paul Brodeur: A Breach of Trust at The New York Public Library" it brought back the some great memories. One of the articles Mr. Pinzer requested that I read was Mr. Brodeur's article "Annals of Law - The Asbestos Industry on Trial". This four part article written for The New Yorker Magazine ran from June 10 - July 1, 1985. At the time I was, are you kidding me. The articles were the equivalent of a 300-400 page book and I really didn't see the importance. However, as Mr. Pinzer was apt to do he cajoled me into reading it. The articles are well written and documents the asbestos industry's fall from grace. I strongly suggest that if you are in the asbestos industry you read these articles. It details the downfall of the industry, including how the information that exposed the industry of hiding the dangers of asbestos.
As the title indicates the New York Public Library has notified Mr. Brodeur that they intend on breaking up his collection of papers that he donated to the library. Included in this collection of papers is Mr. Paul Brodeur's investigation of the asbestos health hazard and its cover-up by the asbestos industry. Though I am not a curator or librarian, it seems to be a waste of the research that Mr. Brodeur did to back-up the facts, assertions, and evidence he writes about in his articles. I hope the New York Public Library reconsiders their decision or at least allow the collection to remain together by returning the full documents to Mr. Brodeur.
As the title indicates the New York Public Library has notified Mr. Brodeur that they intend on breaking up his collection of papers that he donated to the library. Included in this collection of papers is Mr. Paul Brodeur's investigation of the asbestos health hazard and its cover-up by the asbestos industry. Though I am not a curator or librarian, it seems to be a waste of the research that Mr. Brodeur did to back-up the facts, assertions, and evidence he writes about in his articles. I hope the New York Public Library reconsiders their decision or at least allow the collection to remain together by returning the full documents to Mr. Brodeur.
Related articles
- Paul Brodeur Battles New York Library Over Archives - NYTimes.com (nytimes.com)
- Writers, Historians, Researchers - This One's For You (businessinsider.com)
- CDC's NIOSH corrects statement about asbestos, a known human carcinogen (scienceblogs.com)
- Inspectors Discover Asbestos at East Hampton Middle School (futureenv.blogspot.com)
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Quebec Government Decides to Back Loan to Restart Asbestos Mine
Image via WikipediaQuebec government announced that it was providing conditional support of the reopening of the Jeffrey Mine Inc in the town of Asbestos through a $58 million loan guarantee. Economic development minister Clément Gignac also suggested that chrysotile asbestos from that mine could help save lives in India. Gignac said, the relaunched mine would create 425 full-time jobs in the region plus provide millions of dollars in taxes and royalties to Quebec which in turn will create a $7.5 million economic diversification fund for the region.
To justify the decision, Gignac told reporters that millions of people in India die of cholera every year because they lack access to potable water and proper sanitary infrastructure. "Excuse me, but the fact is that chrysotile asbestos cement can be used to make many more kilometres of infrastructure because it is less expensive and is a durable material and we can improve the quality of life of citizens in India," he said.
To justify the decision, Gignac told reporters that millions of people in India die of cholera every year because they lack access to potable water and proper sanitary infrastructure. "Excuse me, but the fact is that chrysotile asbestos cement can be used to make many more kilometres of infrastructure because it is less expensive and is a durable material and we can improve the quality of life of citizens in India," he said.
Related articles
- Cancer society 'disappointed' with Quebec asbestos expansion (canada.com)
- Que. hands $7.5M to asbestos mine (cbc.ca)
- Asbestos Expert Demands Canada Retract "Safe Use" Statement (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- Asbestos mine gets $7.5 million from Quebec (canada.com)
- Air has high asbestos levels at Que. worksites: study (cbc.ca)
- In a Town Called Asbestos, a Plan to Restart the Industry That Made It Prosperous (nytimes.com)
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Asbestos Article in Indoor Environment Discusses Cross Issues with Radon
In the March 2011 issue of Indoor Environment Connections, Douglas Kladder the Director of the Center for Environmental Research & Training in Colorado Springs, Colorado wrote an excellant article regarding asbestos. Being on the asbestos side of the fence, it is interesting how sometimes we get tunnel vision in dealing with indoor air quality/environmental issues. Mr. Kladder article "Asbestos? What Asbestos? I'm a Radon Guy!" discusses the dangers of tunnel vision. Mr. Kladder discusses that their are few activities involved in radon mitigation that would not impact asbestos containing materials. He then provides several war stories of issues related to this topic. In many ways the same statement can be made to those of us in the asbestos field. We tend to get tunnel vision regarding asbestos and forget that lead, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) or, even for that matter, radon may also be a concern. For example, lead paint could be on asbestos siding or asbestos spackles/joint compounds, and window caulk, in addition to containing asbestos, may also contain lead and/or PCBs. It is important for indoor air quality/environmental professional to keep abreast of the field and to consider the potential possibilities of various environmental hazards being present.
Related articles
- New York State Releases FAQ on Asbestos Analysis (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- Indoor Air Pollution and how it affects your Long-term health (easyayurveda.com)
- Board Member of Queens Cooperative Has An Asbestos Question (futureenv.blogspot.com)
- Charted Average Levels of Radon Exposure in the Home (digitalnewsgathering.wordpress.com)
- Radon (7thstreetannarbor.wordpress.com)
- Invisible and Odorless, Radon Poses Risks to Lungs (nlm.nih.gov)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Chrysotile Asbestos Banned? More Like Certain Conditions of Use Will Be Eventually Banned!
Many of you, as did I, read about the " Ban of Chrysotile Asbestos " and rejoiced over something long overdue. However, after rea...
-
… … … This debate regarding asbestos floor tiles started at the Professional Abatement Contractors of New York's ...
-
We attended the Environmental Information Association (EIA) 2022 National Conference and Exhibition in Phoenix, Arizona from March 20, thro...
-
This month we celebrate Future Environment Designs, Inc. being in business for 35 years. We must say the last 5 years have been harder tha...