All News Releases By Date

West Virginia Company to Pay Penalty for Asbestos Violations

Release Date: 2/5/2001
Contact Information: Bonnie Smith, (215) 814-5543

Bonnie Smith, (215) 814-5543

PHILADELPHIA – An administrative law judge has ruled that Ohio Valley Insulating Company violated federal asbestos regulations during a 1996 renovation at the Century Aluminum mill in Ravenswood, W.Va. Administrative Law Judge Carl C. Charneski found the asbestos removal contractor liable for a $20,000 penalty under the Clean Air Act.

During an 1996 inspection, an EPA official observed 43 bags of asbestos-containing insulation that were not adequately wetted. In a September 1998 complaint, EPA cited the both the asbestos-removal contractor and plant owner of Century Aluminum for violating regulations requiring that asbestos-containing material be adequately wetted during removal and kept wet until adequately contained for disposal.

In August 1999, EPA settled its claims against Century for a $12,500 penalty. Ohio Valley Insulating exercised its rights to a hearing.

In his January 22, 2001 decision, Judge Charneski credited the testimony of the EPA inspector in finding the contractor liable for the violations alleged. Judge Charneski agreed with EPA’s position on the severity of the violation and the contractor’s negligent conduct. The full text of the decision may be found athttps://www.epa.gov/oalj/orders/ovi.pdf

To reduce the risk of asbestos emissions, EPA’s regulations require that asbestos-containing materials that may release asbestos fibers during demolition or renovation must be adequately wetted during removal, and carefully handled to prevent unnecessary damage. These materials must remain adequately wetted, or be securely bagged or otherwise treated to minimize asbestos emissions until disposal.