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THREE PERSONS INDICTED FOR ILLEGAL ASBESTOS REMOVAL IN KANSAS
Release Date: 06/24/99
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FOR RELEASE: THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 1999
THREE PERSONS INDICTED FOR ILLEGAL ASBESTOS
REMOVAL IN KANSAS
REMOVAL IN KANSAS
Edward A. Shaw of Largo, Fla.; and Carl and Jean Stiffler of Enid, Okla., were indicted on June 15 in U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas in Wichita for conspiracy to violate the Clean Air Act and for the illegal removal of asbestos. In addition, Shaw was also indicted for making false statements concerning an asbestos removal project to EPA and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Shaw owns ESCM Inc., which is environmental consulting firm. The Stifflers own Southwest Wrecking Co., in Enid, Okla. From late 1993 until 1997, Shaw and the Stifflers are alleged to have illegally removed asbestos-containing material during the demolition of the Shallow Water Refinery near Scott City, Kan. The defendants are accused of a number of improper activities including failing to properly wet the asbestos-containing material before removal, failure to provide workers with protective clothing, and failure to properly dispose of asbestos containing-material. Improper removal of asbestos can cause asbestos fibers to become airborne. Inhalation of airborne asbestos fibers by workers can cause lung cancer, a lung disease known as “asbestosis,” and mesothelioma which is a cancer of the chest and abdominal cavities. If convicted on all charges, Shaw faces a maximum of up to 20 years in prison and/or fines of up to $775,000. The Stifflers each face up to 10 years in prison and/or fines of up to $500,000, if convicted. The case was investigated by EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division, EPA Region 7, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, and is being prosecuted by the U.S. Department of Justice.
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