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Rhode Island Airport Corp. and Contractors Fined for Reporting Violations at TF Green Airport

Release Date: 07/26/2010
Contact Information: David Deegan, (617) 918-1017

(Boston, Mass. - July 26, 2010) – Rhode Island Airport Corporation and its demolition contractors, O.R. Colan Associates of Florida, LLC and The Jones Payne Group, Inc., of Mass., have agreed to pay $25,000 for alleged violations of the federal Clean Air Act and National Emission Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Asbestos.

Jones Payne will pay the full amount of the $25,000 penalty for its failure to provide EPA with prior written notification of its intent to demolish 146 residences during a Noise Management Program and voluntary land acquisition at T.F. Green Airport in Warwick, R.I.

From September 2004 to December 2008, Respondents demolished 146 residences. Although the demolition or renovation of a single-family residence is exempt from Asbestos NESHAP requirements, the exemption does not apply where the demolition is part of a larger commercial project. In accordance with federal regulations, as the owner or operator of a demolition activity, RIAC, Colan and Jones Payne were required to provide the Administrator with written notice of intention to demolish or renovate prior to the commencement of the activity. Respondents failed to provide EPA with the required notice, although the State of Rhode Island was notified.

Based on inspections conducted by Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management during the course of the demolition, other work practice requirements of the Asbestos NESHAP appear to have been met. No apparent risk was posed to human health or the environment as a result of the violations.

More information:
- Enforcement of Asbestos NESHAP in New England (www.epa.gov/ne/enforcement/asbestos)

- Asbestos Information (www.epa.gov/asbestos)

- Rhode Island Department of Health Asbestos Control Program (www.health.ri.gov/environment/occupational/asbestos)

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Edited: 07/26/10: Altered headline and information in second paragraph to make clear that the violations at T.F. Green Airport were not associated with plans or proposals to expand the airport.