All News Releases By Date

Pa. Contractors Settle Cases With EPA Over Demolition of Properties in Huntingdon Valley and Bethlehem

Release Date: 03/23/2006
Contact Information: Mike Frankel, 215-814-2665

PHILADELPHIA - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has settled two cases against Pennsylvania contractors for violating Clean Air Act regulations requiring notification to EPA prior to demolition or renovation projects.

Glen Miller Demolition & Excavating, Inc. of Birdsboro, Pa., has agreed to pay a $19,208 penalty for failing to notify EPA before the August 2005 demolition of the Huntingdon Place condominiums, located near the intersection of Route 63 and Huntingdon Pike, in Huntingdon Valley, Pa.

In a separate settlement, Neuber Environmental Services, Inc. of Phoenixville, Pa., will pay a $7,179 penalty for failing to provide advance notification of its July 2005 demolition of a field house at Liberty High School, 1115 Linden Street in Bethlehem, Pa.

Owners and operators of demolition or renovation activities covered by the Clean Air Act asbestos regulations must provide written notification to EPA at least 10 working days before commencing demolition or renovation. This regulation gives EPA or state inspectors the opportunity to inspect demolition or renovation projects that may involve asbestos-containing materials and, if necessary, halt or correct improper work practices that might cause asbestos emissions.

Asbestos is a hazardous air pollutant that was once heavily used in insulation and other building materials. Prolonged exposure to and inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause cancer and asbestosis, a serious respiratory disease.

The settlement penalties in both cases reflects the contractors cooperation with EPA’s investigation and settlement of these matters. The cited contractors have neither admitted nor denied liability for the alleged violations, but both have certified their compliance with applicable Clean Air Act requirements.

For more information on asbestos and its regulation, visit https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/.