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Southern Insulation, Inc. Settles EPA Asbestos Reporting Case

Release Date: 4/14/2003
Contact Information: Bonnie Smith, 215-814-5543

Bonnie Smith, 215-814-5543

PHILADELPHIA – Southern Insulation, Inc., of Hyattsville, Md. has agreed to settle an alleged violation of federal asbestos regulations related to asbestos removal projects at two schools in Washington, D.C.

EPA cited the company for failing to submit a timely notification of May 2002 asbestos removal projects at the Garnet-Patterson Middle School, 2001 Tenth Street N.W., and the Ellington School of the Arts, 1698 35th Street N.W.

Under Clean Air Act regulations, companies must submit written notification to EPA at least 10 working days prior to demolition or renovation projects involving asbestos-containing materials. This advance notification is designed to ensure adequate time for EPA and state inspections of these projects.

According to EPA, the notification for the Garnet-Patterson Middle School (involving the removal of 1,900 feet of asbestos pipe insulation and 2,500 square feet of surface area asbestos) was postmarked six days late, and the notification for the Ellington School of Arts project (involving 280 feet of asbestos pipe insulation) was postmarked five days late.

Southern Insulation has agreed to pay a $4,080 penalty for these violations. As part of the settlement, the company has neither admitted nor denied liability for the alleged violations.

Asbestos is a hazardous air pollutant that was once heavily used in insulation and other building materials. Exposure and inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause cancer and asbestosis, a serious respiratory disease. For more information on asbestos and its regulation, visit www.epa.gov/asbestos/index.htm.